Eastern Ukraine Newspaper Collection

This database encompasses a collection of 47 different newspapers, single issues, and flyers, all published under the authority of the Russian occupation in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), as well as in other Ukrainian territories seized by Russian forces from the beginning of the conflict on February 24, 2022. This collection extends to include publications from lesser-known areas such as Debal’tsevo, Iasinovataia, Ilovaisk, Makeevka, Melitopol, Pervomaisk, Shakhtersk, and Yenakievo, providing a wider view of the region’s media environment.

Many of the titles within this collection are represented by only single issues or a limited number of editions, with a few extending to cover several years, showcasing the diverse and fragmented media landscape in these conflict-affected areas. As such, it is not intended to be a comprehensive digital archive of the 47 newspapers. Instead, it is an ephemera collection, consisting of selected issues that were available for acquisition. The compilation features a range of representations, with some titles only present through a single issue or a limited series of editions, while others span across several years, reflecting the diverse and fragmented media landscape in these conflict-impacted zones.

This database serves as a crucial resource for researchers and academics focusing on the Russia-Ukraine war, offering insights into local perspectives, shifts in public opinion, media representation, and everyday life in these disputed territories. The collection aids in constructing the narrative of the conflict, analyzing propaganda and media strategies, and providing access to information that is often scarce due to the unrecognized status of these territories and the challenges associated with reporting from these areas.