Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organisations of Ukraine, USREOU code: 45781386 (Код ЄДРПОУ)

List of Ukrainian Media Entities, Online media entity · Media ID: R40-06247

• https://thedefender.media/

• https://x.com/DefenderMediaUA
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/defender-media/
• https://www.facebook.com/DefenderMediaUA
• https://t.me/DefenderMedia/
• https://www.youtube.com/@TheDefenderMedia

Defender Media is fully committed to protecting the physical and psychological safety of everyone who works for us — employed staff, freelancers and contributors — including those working in hostile, conflict-affected or high-risk environments.

Editorial Mission and Policy
Read the editorial policy of our website

Our team is committed to objective, impartial and professional coverage of events in the field of military and defence technology.

Our goal is to provide reliable and up-to-date information, adhering to high journalistic standards and contributing to an informed public understanding of defence, security, innovation and investment in military technology.

Our editorial work is guided by four fundamental principles of trustworthy journalism: ethical practice, good governance, self-regulation and engagement with the public. These principles are implemented through the editorial standards, policies and processes described below.

The main principles of our editorial policy are:
Objectivity and independence. We work independently of political or commercial interests. All materials published on the platform are based on facts and verified information. We treat subjects and audiences even-handedly, give a right of reply where appropriate, and distinguish fact from opinion.
Credibility and accuracy. Our team strives to ensure that all publications are thorough and verified. We engage experts to analyse complex topics and verify information and sources before publication to the extent reasonably possible.
Transparency. In all publications, we clearly indicate the sources of information and parties involved where appropriate. If a publication contains the author’s personal opinion, this is clearly indicated. All sponsored content is clearly labelled and distinguishable from our own editorial content.
Respect for the reader. We create content that is understandable, useful and relevant to the interests of our audience. Defender Media focuses on readers interested in defence, security, innovation and investment in military technology. We recognise the importance of maintaining an open and constructive relationship with our audience and providing accessible channels for feedback and editorial concerns.
Editing and proofreading. Each piece of content goes through several stages of review to ensure that the language is of a high standard and that the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Ethics and responsibility. We strictly adhere to the ethical standards of journalism. Defender Media does not support the dissemination of false information, manipulation or deliberately provocative content. We consider the potential impact of our reporting, particularly when covering sensitive defence and security matters.
Fairness. We treat subjects and audiences fairly and even-handedly, presenting relevant facts and perspectives accurately and in context. Where appropriate, we give subjects of significant criticism a reasonable opportunity to respond and clearly distinguish facts from allegations, claims and opinions.
Accountability. We take responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of our journalism. Readers and subjects can raise concerns or report potential errors, and we review and correct significant factual or editorial errors when identified.
Confidentiality and protection of sources. We respect the confidentiality of our sources and protect their anonymity whenever necessary and appropriate.
Good governance and editorial accountability
Defender Media is committed to responsible and transparent editorial governance. Editorial decisions are made independently of political, commercial or other undue external influence.

Editorial responsibility at each stage of publication is assigned as follows:

Commissioning / assignment: Journalist
Editing and verification: Editor
Final sign-off before publication: Founding Editor
The roles and responsibilities of editorial staff and contributors are defined through this Editorial Policy and related internal policies and procedures.

Defender Media’s editorial policies and relevant accountability mechanisms are made publicly available as part of our commitment to transparency and trustworthy journalism.

Self-regulation and corrections
This Editorial Policy applies to all editorial staff, editors and external contributors, including freelancers and agencies, producing content for Defender Media. Contributors are required to adhere to it as a condition of publication.

We maintain internal editorial processes for fact-checking, editing, verification and final review. We also review our editorial practices and policies periodically and update them when necessary.

If a significant factual or editorial error is identified after publication, Defender Media will review the matter and make an appropriate correction or clarification. Readers and other stakeholders may bring potential errors or editorial concerns to our attention through the contact channels provided by Defender Media.

Engagement with the public
Defender Media recognises that public trust is built through openness, responsiveness and accountability. We provide readers and other stakeholders with opportunities to contact the Media Outlet, provide feedback, raise editorial concerns and suggest corrections.

We consider relevant feedback as part of our editorial processes and provide an appropriate response where necessary. Our editorial policies and accountability mechanisms are publicly accessible so that readers can understand the standards and processes that guide our journalism.

These principles are supported by Defender Media’s related editorial policies and procedures, including policies on commercial and editorial separation, anonymous sources, sensitive content, journalist safety, staff welfare, external accountability and the use of artificial intelligence.

Responsible for this Editorial Policy: Roman Sudolsky, Founding Editor of Defender Media.

https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/

Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Tovarystvo z Obmezhenoiu Vidpovidalnistiu (ТОВАРИСТВО З ОБМЕЖЕНОЮ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНІСТЮ, TOV), registered in Ukraine.

Active legal entity.

https://opendatabot.ua/c/45781386
https://youcontrol.com.ua/catalog/company_details/45781386/

https://opendatabot.ua/c/45781386 or https://youcontrol.com.ua/catalog/company_details/45781386/

Danir Group, owner of Sigma Group (owners of Sigma Labs AB).

Danir Group is an entrepreneur-led business held by the Dan Olofsson family. Founded in 1986, the group comprises primarily consulting companies that support our customers in their digitalisation. With 9,500 employees across 29 countries, they focus on entrepreneurship, long-term commitment and active community involvement.

Subsidiary groups - 6
Additional holdings - 13
Involvement - 18

Valery Krasovsky:
1) Founder at LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SIGMA SOFTWARE (SIGMA SOFTWARE LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
2) Founder at TREE IT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (TREE IT LLC). 62.02 Information Technology Consultancy Activities
3) Beneficiary at CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE (CO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE). 88.99 Other Social Work Activities Without Accommodation

Dmytro Vartanian
1) Director at LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SIGMA SOFTWARE (SIGMA SOFTWARE LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
2) Director at SIGMA SOFTWARE LABS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (SIGMA SOFTWARE LABS LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
3) Director at CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE (CO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SIGMA SOFTWARE. SOCIAL INITIATIVE). 88.99 Other Social Work Activities Without Accommodation
4) Director at TREE IT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (TREE IT LLC). 62.02 Information Technology Consultancy Activities
5) Director at IT ASSISTANT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (IT ASSISTAN LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming
6) Director at LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VRENETIC UKRAINE (VRENETIC UKRAINE LLC). 62.01 Computer Programming

IT & Business consulting
IT Engineering
Renewable energy
Lightning systems
Real estate
Advertising
Finance
VCs
Computer Programming
Information Technology Consultancy Activities
Social Work Activities

https://danir.se/kontakt/ / https://thedefender.media/en/about/ / https://sigma.software/about/management-team

https://thedefender.media/en/about/ / https://sigma.software/about/management-team

The media outlet covers highly sensitive topics related to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

• https://x.com/DefenderMediaUA
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/defender-media/
• https://www.facebook.com/DefenderMediaUA
• https://t.me/DefenderMedia/
• https://www.youtube.com/@TheDefenderMedia

Denys Smyrnov, CEO & Founder is responsible for customer service at Defender Media.

+380931425299
[email protected]

Limited personal data such as IP address, cookie identifiers, device and browser information, and basic usage/analytics data (e.g. pages visited, time spent, etc). If users subscribe to newsletters or submit forms, we also process email addresses and any information voluntarily provided.

The information is collected to analyse website traffic and audience engagement, improve content quality and user experience, ensure website security and functionality, and manage optional communications such as newsletters or user inquiries.

Data is processed using Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and internal audience insights tools based on aggregated website usage and search performance data.

Yes

https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/

Yes

We operate an internal editorial process to ensure our editorial guidelines are followed, and we review their effectiveness periodically.

Overall accountability for these guidelines: Roman Sudolsky, Founding Editor.

There are clear expectations, yes. This policy applies to all editorial staff, editors, and external contributors (including freelancers and agencies) producing content for Defender Media. Contributors are required to adhere to it as a condition of publication.

Our editorial responsibility at each stage of publication is assigned as follows:
1. Commissioning / assignment: Journalist
2. Editing & verification: Editor
3. Final sign-off before publication: Founding Editor
4. Overall accountability for these guidelines: Roman Sudolsky, Founding Editor

https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/

https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/

https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/

https://thedefender.media/en/editor_policy/

Yes, our policy protects the editorial independence of Defender Media by identifying and managing real, potential and perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise our journalism.

Yes. Our guidelines address business-related conflicts of interest, including relationships with advertisers, partners, owners, and competitors, and require disclosure and management to ensure editorial independence.

Yes. Our guidelines address political conflicts of interest. Although we do not engage in political activity, we cover public authorities and require disclosure of any political affiliations or activities that could affect editorial independence.

Our guidelines address personal conflicts of interest, requiring disclosure of any family, friendship, financial, or other personal relationships that could affect editorial independence, with reassignment or review where necessary.

Defender Media's structure protects our editorial processes from undue influence from within or outside the organisation, including from owners and commercial interests.

Yes. We apply an internal editorial workflow that includes fact-checking, source verification, and editorial review before publication to ensure accuracy. Any identified errors are corrected promptly according to our corrections policy.

Yes, we operate an internal, systematic process to ensure the accuracy of our content and adherence to our Editorial Guidelines. Content is subject to editorial oversight and verification before publication.

- Statistics are sourced and verified before publication;
- Externally supplied photographs, video and audio are sourced and verified;
- News-agency material is recorded and tracked;
- Individual journalists and external sources are identified (e.g. by byline) or recorded in the publishing system.

Yes. The implementation of our Editorial Guidelines is reviewed periodically through editorial oversight, staff feedback, and regular reviews of our editorial processes and policies.

Yes. Our accountability mechanisms are reviewed periodically as part of our ongoing internal editorial and governance processes to ensure they remain effective.

Yes, statistics are sourced and verified before publication.

Externally supplied images, video and audio are sourced and verified.

Individual journalists and external sources are identified (e.g. by byline) or recorded in the publishing system.

Where reporting is conducted from a specific location, this may be identified in our content where appropriate. However, in cases involving sensitive defence-related topics, location details may be limited or omitted for security reasons. Any constraints on location reporting, as well as any facilitation by external organisations or institutions, are disclosed within or alongside the report to ensure transparency.

Yes

Yes, where we use algorithms for the dissemination or curation of news content, we clearly indicate our policy on that use to the public.

Yes

Defender Media complies with international recommendations (such as those of the Council of Europe on transparency of algorithms in journalism) and national regulations governing the use of automated systems in media.

We ensure the ethically appropriate treatment of violent and explicit content, weighing the public interest against the risk of harm or gratuitous distress.

Content involving children and vulnerable persons may only be produced when it has public significance. Their images or stories must not be used for sensationalism or manipulation. All materials must comply with Ukrainian legislation and international human rights standards.
Ethical requirements when working with content involving children:
- Full names, addresses, schools, or other identifying data must not be disclosed.
- The use of photos and videos is permitted only with the consent of parents or legal guardians.
- Children must not be depicted in humiliating, dangerous, or traumatic situations.
- All interviews with children must take into account their age and psychological condition.
Ethical requirements when working with content involving other vulnerable groups:
- Vulnerable persons must be portrayed with respect and dignity, avoiding stereotypes.
- Informed consent must be obtained for interviews or quotations.
- Warnings must be provided to the audience if the content may be traumatic.
- A balance must be ensured between the public’s right to information and the individual’s right to privacy.

We ensure the ethically appropriate handling of live content, recognising the reduced ability to apply editorial checks in real time, and we maintain safeguards accordingly.

Yes

Yes

Externally sourced material is checked against the same editorial principles as our own journalism. UGC and eyewitness content is verified before use and clearly labelled.

Yes

We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from defamation, invasions of privacy, hate speech, harassment.

Yes

The guidelines provide for multi-level verification: confirmation of the source, time, and place of the event; verification of the authenticity of photos/videos; as well as legal and ethical assessment.

Yes

UGC and eyewitness news are published with clear labelling (“Eyewitness photo,” “Provided by reader,” UGC) so that the audience understands the origin of the material.

Yes

Providers of such content are dealt with responsibly and ethically

We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from defamation.

We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from invasions of privacy.

We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from hate speech.

We take steps to ensure comment material published on our platforms is free from harassment.

We grant anonymity to sources only according to clear internal guidelines, and we make the reasons for granting anonymity clear to the public where possible.

Our journalistic activity protects the privacy rights and safety of individuals in line with our Editorial Policy.

Yes, our guidelines protect the independence of our journalism from its sources.

Yes, our guidelines require a diversity of sources in the production of content.

Yes, of course, all sponsored content on Defender Media is clearly labelled and made distinguishable from our own editorial content.

Yes

Yes, all sponsored content is clearly labelled with special icons and markings.

Yes

Yes, all sponsored content is made perfectly distinguishable from our own editorial content.

News articles are published in the Latest News section, while opinion and analytical pieces are published exclusively in the Insights & Analytics section. These categories are clearly separated throughout the website to help readers easily distinguish between factual reporting and editorial analysis.

Commercial and sponsored materials are clearly labelled with yellow Partner Content or Ad tags and Advertising yellow ribbon. These labels are prominently displayed and link to Defender Media's advertising policy page, ensuring full transparency for readers.

Content provided by external organisations, including partners, companies, or other non-journalistic entities, is clearly identified at the beginning of the article and appropriately labelled to distinguish it from Defender Media's editorial content.

If you believe we have published something inaccurate, you can contact us at [email protected]. This channel is open to the public and to anyone directly involved in a story.
At the end of each content piece, readers also have an opportunity to report a potential error via email.
Individuals and organisations directly involved in a story, including subjects, experts and representatives of organisations, may use the same channel to report potential inaccuracies.

Yes

Yes: Section 2 now explains the actual workflow:

complaint → responsible editor → fact/source/context check → consultation if needed → assess significance → correction or reasoned response.

Where a significant inaccuracy is confirmed, we publish a correction promptly and transparently, in a similar place and manner as the original (for example at the same URL, or in equivalent broadcast time and format).

Defender Media has a designated contact person for handling complaints. Their email address ([email protected]) is published on the “About” page.

Yes

https://thedefender.media/en/about/

Our media outlet not only has internal accountability mechanisms but is also connected to external, independent oversight systems provided by: - National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, Journalism Trust Initiative; - The Imperium Certific certification center regarding compliance with the requirements of CWA17493 Journalism Trust Initiative; - the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI).

National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, Journalism Trust Initiative - https://webportal.nrada.gov.ua/

Imperium Certific - https://imcert.ua/uk

Journalism Trust Initiative - https://journalismtrustinitiative.org/

Defender Media is subject to external accountability through Imperium Certific, our certification body. Members of the public may contact Imperium Certific regarding potential breaches of Defender Media's Editorial Guidelines: Imperium Certific Certification Center: https://imcert.ua/en

Yes

External trainings:
Media Management Program by Jnomics (2026, Denys Smyrnov)
Marketing and Communications in the wartime by Ninja School and Khartiia (2026, Denys Smyrnov)
Defence Tech Bootcamps by Calibrated (2025, 2026, Denys Smyrnov, Roman Sudolsky)

Yes

Our recruitment guidelines include a diversity policy aimed at building a workforce that reflects the audiences and communities we serve.

We maintain guidelines for the recruitment and training of editorial staff, designed to uphold our editorial standards and the safety and welfare of staff.

Defender Media recognises that journalism can expose staff to material and situations that affect their wellbeing, and is committed to supporting them.

Yes

https://thedefender.media/en/recruitment-diversity-equal-opportunity-policy/

Our recruitment guidelines address staff welfare, and our employment and contracting arrangements protect the editorial independence of staff and contract journalists.

Our rules and procedures support equality of opportunity in recruitment, development and progression.

Yes, we have separate Freelance Contributor Agreement and proper guidelines of working with freelance journalists.

Yes

Yes, the external contributor agrees to follow our editorial guidelines, corrections process, AI-use and labelling policy, and source-protection rules, and to produce original, accurate work that is not plagiarised and does not knowingly infringe third-party rights.

Our rules and procedures protect against discrimination in the workplace on any protected ground under applicable law.

Our rules and procedures support equality of opportunity in recruitment, development and progression.

Defender Media is committed to protecting the physical, psychological, digital, and cyber security of everyone who works for us—employees, freelancers, contractors, and contributors—including those working in hostile, conflict-affected, or high-risk environments. This policy sets out how we assess, reduce, and respond to risks affecting the safety and wellbeing of our team.
This policy is written for a Ukrainian media organisation whose work routinely involves reporting on defence technology, national security, and developments related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. We recognise that risks cannot always be eliminated; our responsibility is to minimise them as far as reasonably possible and to support those exposed to them.
Defender Media recognises that journalists and contributors may face digital and cyber threats, including phishing attempts, account compromise, unauthorised access to sensitive information, online harassment, and other forms of malicious activity.
To reduce these risks, team members are encouraged to follow basic digital security practices, including:
using strong and unique passwords and password managers where appropriate;
enabling multi-factor authentication on work-related accounts and services;
securely storing and sharing sensitive information and documents;
exercising caution when handling unsolicited communications, links, or attachments;
promptly reporting suspected security incidents or data breaches; and
using secure communication channels when discussing sensitive or confidential matters.
Defender Media is committed to promoting digital security awareness and supporting team members in maintaining safe working practices online.

We provide support to editorial staff exposed to material of a sensitive or upsetting nature, including workload management, the ability to rotate tasks away from distressing content, and internal editorial debriefing. Staff are encouraged to take breaks when needed and can access professional psychological support if required.

We provide support to editorial staff who have suffered physical or psychological harm in the course of their work, including access to medical assistance when needed, psychological support through professional counselling services, and internal debriefing with editorial leadership. In addition, staff are encouraged to report safety concerns immediately and may temporarily pause or adjust assignments to ensure their wellbeing.

Yes

https://thedefender.media/uk/about/

https://journalismtrustinitiative.org/app-jti/transparency-report/?jti_action=view_transparency_report&report_id=tr-2702-1782385480