Ukraine 102nd in World Press Freedom Index - Reporters Without Borders

This is one spot down from last year's figure, according to a report posted on the organization's website.

Human rights activists say that "Ukraine has a diversified media landscape and its authorities have adopted a number of long-awaited reforms since the 2014 revolution, including laws on media ownership transparency and access to state-held information." However, according to representatives of the organization, "these gains are fragile."

The report also notes that "information warfare" with Russia has had negative consequences that include bans on Russian media and social networks, the blacklisting of foreign journalists and treason trials.

"The elections being held in 2019 are fueling an increase in tension: more frequent threats and attacks, violations of the confidentiality of sources, surveillance of investigative reporters and news manipulation. The separatist-controlled areas in the east are still no-go areas without critical journalists or foreign observers," the report says.

Published annually by RSF since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index measures the level of media freedom in 180 countries. Norway is ranked first in the 2019 Index for the third year running. It is followed by Finland and Sweden. Turkmenistan is in the last place.