In order to optimize the accreditation process and improve interaction with representatives of the mass media while working in combat zones, amendments were made to the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine No. 73 of 03.03.2022 "On the organization of interaction between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the defense forces and representatives of the mass media during the legal regime of martial law."

Key changes to the order:

The commanders in the areas of responsibility will determine the zones for the presence of media representatives by their decision. The following zones are provided: GREEN (accredited media representatives are allowed to work without the accompaniment of a public relations officer or another official determined by the commander), YELLOW (accredited media representatives are allowed to work only accompanied by a public relations officer or another official) , designated by the commander of the official) and RED (the work of accredited media representatives is prohibited). This initiative is designed to facilitate the access of media workers to settlements in the frontline areas where there are no active hostilities. The day before, media representatives are obliged to inform the press service of the relevant group of troops or the local military administration about the planned place of work.

The introduction of other, additional accreditations for mass media representatives other than those established by this Order, is excluded.

The list of information, the disclosure of which may lead to the enemy's awareness of the actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the defense forces, has been supplemented and clarified and may negatively affect the progress of tasks as assigned during the legal regime of martial law. These are prohibitions on disseminating information on the results of missile strikes, the movement of weapons, armaments, and war supplies, the movement or location of defense forces units, and the location of forces and means of air defense units. Some aspects should be observed when capturing weapons and military equipment of foreign production, which was provided as part of the material and technical assistance from partner countries. (More details in Appendix 2 to the order).

The new press cards will be valid for up to 6 months.

In case of violations of the rules of work of mass media representatives established by this Order, in addition to the cancellation of accreditation, there is also the possibility of suspending its validity. In contrast, the circumstances of the violation are clarified. After finding out the violation's circumstances, the media representative will be informed about the decision (renewal or cancellation of accreditation).

Previous press cards will be valid until May 1, 2023. Accreditation of media representatives who already had press cards of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be carried out according to a simplified procedure.

The questionnaire for accreditation has been updated. Media representatives are requested to use the new sample questionnaire, which can be found by the link https://www.mil.gov.ua/…/accreditation/akreditacziya.html

It is worth paying attention that in the event of the need to verify the validity of the accreditation, the corresponding phone number 0894201864 is valid (this phone number is indicated in the press card). You can also contact the e-mail address newsmodu@gmail.com for accreditation issues.

Order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine No. 73 dated 03.03.2022 "On the organization of interaction between the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other components of the defense forces and representatives of the mass media during the period of the legal regime of martial law" (with changes) is posted on the official website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine link https://www.mil.gov.ua/…/vzaemodiya-iz-zhurnalistami-u…

These changes are intended to facilitate the work of mass media representatives in combat areas, to make the accreditation process clearer and more understandable for the media community.