USRF supports independent Russian media with the capability to reach the Russian public and focuses on enabling them to grow despite challenges presented by Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has led to international isolation and domestic repression with implications for the economic opportunities for journalism.

In 2022, USRF helped relocate staff and relaunch work of numerous Russian independent media abroad to ensure their ideas and voices are not lost. These journalists and outlets fled from Russia after February 2022 as they faced an increasing threat of persecution in addition to a deteriorating economic environment and isolation from the international community.

USRF grants have supported coalition building among independent Russian media now working outside of Russia. USRF provides support as these media organizations address ongoing challenges in establishing sustainable business models, maintaining and growing their audiences, and creating safe and secure IT infrastructure.

“We were forced to leave Russia after our media, like many others, was effectively destroyed by the authorities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In exile, our team came up with a new project in which we collect testimonies from people whose lives have changed since the beginning of the war. The project has already gained an audience that continues to grow. In order to become sustainable, we are working on developing a new business model – this will require new skills and may take some time. We are grateful to USRF for supporting our new media in this transition.”