FOCUS ON UKRAINE – Version 1.1 – March 9, 2022
Prepared by the Canadian International DX Club, Canada`s national radio monitoring organization since 1962
Contact Info: Sheldon Harvey, President - hq@cidxclub.ca
The following is a compilation of news reports, feature articles, references, web links, monitoring information, radio frequencies, independent monitoring reports and more, focusing on the media, communications, radio broadcasting, etc. related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Any frequencies notes are in kilohertz (kHz).
SDR = Software-defined receiver. A radio receiver that replaces many formerly hardware components (tubes, coils, transistors, capacitors) with software. Because they are computer-based, it's trivial for the operator, usually a volunteer hobbyist, to connect the device to the internet and allow people to access the receiver remotely. Users are able to tune and adjust these receivers to stations and frequencies of their choice, either domestic medium wave (AM) stations, or shortwave stations. There are usually limits, varying by receiver, as to how many users can use each receiver at one time. Note that if you are monitoring local domestic radio stations, they are going to be mostly in the language of the country where the stations are located. You may be able to monitor some shortwave stations broadcasting in various languages.
- Media Links
- VARIOUS MEDIA REPORTS, FEATURE ARTICLES, ETC.
- YOUTUBE CHANNELS
- WEBSITES TO ACCESS STREAMING RADIO STATIONS
- ETHNIC RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING IN THE UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE
- ONLINE KIWI SOFTWARE DEFINED RECEIVERS AVAILABLE VIA INTERNET
- INDEPENDENT REPORTS FROM RADIO MONITORS AROUND THE WORLD
- RADIO FREQUENCIES TO MONITOR
ABYZ News Links - Ukraine Newspapers and News Media
http://www.abyznewslinks.com/ukrai.htm
This webpage includes hundreds of links to nationwide media, Internet sources, magazines, newspapers, press agencies, local news media in cities and regions throughout Ukraine
Institute of Mass Information
The Institute of Mass Information (IMI) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, which has been working in the public sector since 1995 and implementing projects aimed at boosting positive impact of media on establishment of the civil society in Ukraine. The site includes constantly updated information from Ukraine
Media Landscapes – Expert Analysis of the State of Media
Media Landscapes involves close to forty expert writers who have mapped the entire journalism ecosystem of over thirty countries. It provides an invaluable resource for students, researchers, social and political commentators and - of course - journalists. Each country features details on the historical evolution of its media scene and the major players, then and now, Print, broadcast and digital outlets are covered, as are all relevant associations, professional bodies, unions and educational institutions. Each report then places this in a vital socio-political context of regulation, legislation and press freedom.
Here is a link to their page on Ukraine
https://medialandscapes.org/country/ukraine
Media Ownership Monitor – Ukraine – Radio
https://ukraine.mom-rsf.org/en/media/radio/
An overview of radio in Ukraine, with links to some stations
BBC News - Ukraine profile – Media
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18006248
BBC's reference and profile of media in Ukraine
Euromaiden Press
News and views from Ukraine (via Walt Salminiw)
Bellingcat
Bellingcat is an independent international collective of researchers, investigators and citizen journalists using open source and social media investigation to probe a variety of subjects, known by everyone to totally dismember any Russian provocation and misinformation (via Walt Salminiw)
Atlantic Council
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/
Driven by our mission of "shaping the global future together", the Atlantic Council is a non-partisan organization that galvanizes U.S. leadership and engagement in the world, in partnership with allies and partners, to shape solutions to global challenges. (via Walt Salminiw)
Media in Ukraine – Via Thomas Sundstrom, Vineland, New Jersey
Broadcast
National Radio Company of Ukraine http://ukr.radio/en/
UATV (English) https://uatv.ua/en/
Press Agencies
Crimean News Agency (English) https://qirim.news/en/
Ukrainian National News Agency https://www.ukrinform.ua/
UNIAN News Agency (English) https://www.unian.info/
Newspapers
The Day (not functioning)
Kyiv Post (English) https://www.kyivpost.com/
Other Sources
Kyiv Independent (English) https://kyivindependent.com/
New Voice of Ukraine (English) https://english.nv.ua/
Ukrainska Pravda (English) https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/
2) VARIOUS MEDIA REPORTS, FEATURE ARTICLES, ETC.
Al Jazeera – Ukraine Updates
https://www.aljazeera.com/where/ukraine/
Follow regularly updated stories and information on the Ukraine invasion by Russia
Grassroots effort uses shortwave radio to broadcast Voice of America in Ukraine, Russia
By Rebecca Klar – The Hill - 03/08/22 05:30 PM EST
Read the full story here: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/597411-grassroots-effort-uses-shortwave-radio-to-broadcast-voa-in-ukraine-russia
Update: The same group is now relaying a Russian language program from the U.S. funded Radio Svoboda/ Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in addition to the Voice of America English program dedicated to Ukraine news which we began airing Monday.
Radio 555 Unites 10 Dutch Stations to Aid Ukraine
Read the full story here: https://www.radioworld.com/global/dutch-radio-555-unites-10-stations-to-aid-ukraine
Presenters from competing stations team up to raise €32 million for relief efforts
By T. Carter Ross – Radio World - Published: March 8, 2022
RMF Launches New Station for Ukrainian Refugees
Read the full story here: https://www.radioworld.com/global/rmf-launches-new-station-for-ukrainian-refugees
FM station was approved and began operating in just 30 hours
By T. Carter Ross ⋅ Published: March 6, 2022
Zelensky's wife begs media to tell the "terrible truth" that Russians are killing kids
By David Meyer, New York Post, March 6, 2022
Read the full story here: https://nypost.com/2022/03/06/ukraine-first-lady-olena-zelenska-begs-media-to-tell-terrible-truth-that-russians-are-killing-kids/
RFE/RL Suspends Physical Operations in Russia
Read the full story here: https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/rfe-rl-suspends-physical-operations-in-russia
Calls Kremlin attacks "culmination of a years-long pressure campaign"
By RW Staff – Radio World - Published: March 7, 2022
BBC World Service Revives Shortwave to Russia, Ukraine
Read the full story here: https://www.radioworld.com/global/bbc-world-service-revives-shortwave-to-eastern-europe
As Russia blocks international news via the internet, shortwave becomes more relevant
By James Careless – Radio World - Published: March 6, 2022 ⋅ Updated: March 7, 2022
News outlets scramble to set up technical workarounds in response to Russian censorship
By Kelsey Ables - March 5, 2022 – Washington Post
Read the full story here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/03/05/international-news-media-response-russian-censorship/
European Radio Stations Call for Peace in Ukraine
Read the full story here: https://www.radioworld.com/global/european-radio-stations-call-for-peace-in-ukraine
About 150 stations joined to play John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" simultaneously
By T. Carter Ross – Radio World - Published: March 4, 2022
Czech Radio Launches Live Ukrainian Broadcasting
SOURCE: About Czech Radio - 3. březen 2022 (March 3, 2022)
Read the full story here: https://www.czech.radio/czech-radio-launches-live-ukrainian-broadcasting-8694537
ORF (Austria) adds two German language shortwave services
Source: Paul Jarnet, to the SWLPost – March 3, 2022
Please note that ORF – Austria has two new transmissions in German towards Ukraine as follows:
1100-1200 UTC 13730 kHz
1700-1730 UTC 5940 kHz
The 1700 UTC transmission lasts 25 minutes from Monday to Thursday. On Friday it lasts 20 minutes and on Sunday it lasts 15 minutes. There is no broadcast on Saturday. It is a relay of the 1st ORF program.
Russians, Ukrainians Switch on BBC News in Record Numbers for War Coverage
SOURCE: By Naman Ramachandran, Variety, May 2, 2022
Read the full story here: https://variety.com/2022/digital/global/bbc-news-ukraine-russia-coverage-1235194150/
NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Calls On Broadcasters To Cease Russian Programming
By Adam Jacobson – Radio and Television Business Report - March 1, 2022
Read the full story here: https://www.rbr.com/nab-calls-on-broadcasters-to-cease-russian-programming/
College Stations Send Audio Support to Ukraine
Read the full story here: https://www.radioworld.com/global/college-stations-send-audio-support-to-ukraine
Foundation gathered messages from more than 50 stations
By RW Staff - Published: February 28, 2022 ⋅ Updated: March 7, 2022
WRMI (Radio Miami International Resumes Broadcasts of Radio Ukraine International
SOURCE: Paul Walker, to SWLing Post
Due to the increased interest in the current situation in Ukraine, WRMI has resumed its relays of the daily English language broadcast of Radio Ukraine International, the official overseas service of Ukrainian Radio. RUI can be heard daily, except Friday, at 1200-1230 UTC on 5010 kHz (using a shortwave radio.
Ban on Amateur radio in Ukraine
SOURCE: The Kyiv Independent – February 23, 2022
Read the full story here: https://kyivindependent.com/national/breaking-ukraine-imposes-state-of-emergency/
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in all of Ukraine except for eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts starting on Feb. 24. The parliament approved the decree introduced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 23, as the threat of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine continues to grow.
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts already have a special legal status because of Russia's ongoing occupation since 2014. Restrictions introduced by the state of emergency are due to last 30 days and will vary depending on the region. The state of emergency allows the authorities to temporarily limit the public's constitutional rights. The decree green-lights the following measures:
o increased public order protection and security;
o checks of identification documents of civilians and frisking if necessary;
o ban on protests;
o temporary or permanent evacuation of people from dangerous areas and providing them with accommodation;
o ban on relocation of conscripts and reservists without notice;
o ban on producing and spreading information that may "destabilize the situation"
o ban on amateur radio transmitting devices.
Other measures that may be implemented "if necessary" include:
o a curfew;
o a special regime of entry and exit;
o ban on mass events;
o "special rules" for spreading information online.
BBC Shortwave to Ukraine? Yes, of Course.
Modern technologies are fragile. Old ones are reliable.
Via Mike Pappas, Letter to the Editor of Radio World magazine
Dear Editor:
I am “shocked, shocked” to hear that BBC is using shortwave to get news and information into Ukraine and Russia. After abandoning shortwave as outdated and not necessary, one only has to look at the current conflict in Eastern Europe to see the value of shortwave.
We’ve all embraced the modern technologies as they come on line — but they’re fragile. Between the damage to the public internet infrastructure in the Ukraine, to Russia pulling the “plug” on citizens’ ability to access news networks outside of Russia, to the BBC trying to get people to use VPN (seriously?), it’s the antiquated, outdated shortwave that gets the message through.
There is a lesson to be learned here: Old tech is reliable, cost effective and gets the message through when nothing else does. The same can be said of AM here in the USA.
All of those “high tech” solutions, whether they are cellphones or the public internet, are prone to failure when you really need them the most. Let’s not abandon the tried and true “outdated” modes.
SOURCE: New York Times – March 9, 2022
An example of a map of the current situation regarding Russian forces movement into Ukraine; updated daily
The following is a list of various YouTube channels, some with live streaming video; some with live street cameras in various sectors of Ukraine. Check www.youtube.com for additional channels with information and live feeds relating to the Ukraine crisis.
LIVE: Russia Invade Ukraine Cam Feeds w/ Sound [Multiple View Points]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpCNKpkfCyo
Live street cameras from Kyiv
Росія напала на Україну: Телемарафон UAразом
(Translated) Russia attacked Ukraine: Tele-marathon UA together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhs2JS_f9bI
Live feed of TV Channel 1 Ukraine
ЗВЕРНЕННЯ ЗЕЛЕНСЬКОГО / Новини з фронту. Злочини Росії проти людяності - Україна 24
(Translated) ZELENSKY'S ADDRESS / News from the front. Russia's crimes against humanity - Ukraine 24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj78VBhPUeY
Live feed of Ukraine 24 TV
FRANCE 24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNhh-OLzWlE
France 24, the French public broadcast service, 24 hours a day in English with extensive coverage of the Ukraine crisis throughout the day
DEUTSCHE WELLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9KZGs1MtP4
Deutsche Welle, the German public broadcaster in English, with extensive coverage of the Ukraine crisis throughout the day
Al Jazeera English | Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-upyPouRrB8
Live stream of the English service of the Qatari news service
4) WEBSITES TO ACCESS STREAMING RADIO STATIONS
Many websites exist that provide access to online streaming audio of radio stations around the world, including stations in and around Ukraine. Most are very simple to use. Here is a list of some of them:
RADIO GARDEN: www.radio.garden/
Radio Garden invites you to tune into thousands of live radio stations across the globe. By bringing distant voices close, radio connects people and places. From its very beginning, radio signals have crossed borders. Radio makers and listeners have imagined both connecting with distant cultures, as well as re-connecting with people from ‘home’ from thousands of miles away. It’s simple to use. Just spin the globe to your area or country of interest, then click on any of the green dots and the stations will pop up with streaming audio and information about the station. Note of course that these are local radio AM & FM stations and will, in most cases be in the language of the country you’re tuning into..
World Radio Map - https://worldradiomap.com
Online Radio Net - https://onlineradionet.com/
Listen Online Radio - https://listenonlineradio.com/
Live Online Radio - https://liveonlineradio.net/countries
5) ETHNIC RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING IN THE UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE
In many cities in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere, you may find AM and FM stations in cities that are classified as “ethnic broadcasters”. These stations generally have programming throughout their broadcast schedule in various foreign languages. Verify what ethnic broadcast stations may exist in your location and look to see if they have any Ukrainian programming. If you find any stations carrying such programming, please send along the information on the station (location, AM or FM, call letters or station name, their radio frequency and their website, together with the time of the Ukranian broadcasts). The Canadian International DX Club will compile a listing and make it available. Please send the information to hq@cidxclub.ca
6) ONLINE KIWI SOFTWARE DEFINED RECEIVERS AVAILABLE VIA INTERNET
NOTE: There are hundreds of these receivers online, in locations around the world. A list of those active at any time can be found on the following website: http://kiwisdr.com/public/
A world map showing the location of these receivers is available at http://rx.linkfanel.net/
Links to some Kiwi SDRs in Eastern Europe, prepared by Mickey Delmage, Sherwood Park, Alberta for the Canadian International DX Club
| URL | Location/QTH | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| http://kiwi.24x7.hk:8073/ | Central Part of Ukraine | UR5VIB Noted via this receiver that Kyrgyz Radio 4010 kHz is being jammed at 2300 UTC. Jamming off at recheck 0000 UTC. They have a reported Ukraine broadcast on Mondays from 0430 to 0500 UTC. This receiver can be busy but there is a waiting queue. IMPORTANT NOTE: This receiver may be locked for special use at times due to its sensitive location |
| http://bigsatnet.proxy.kiwisdr.com:8073/ | Minsk, Belarus | EW/KO33SV Noted excellent reception of Polish Radio on 225 kHz, Radio Antena Satelor Romania on 153 kHz. This receiver can be busy but you can wait in the queue. |
| http://kiwisdr-dorohoi.ddns.net:8073/ | Dorohoi, Romania | YO8SGV & YO8RZK Noted 657 kHz at 2345 UTC with talk about Ukraine. Very Good signal. This receiver can be busy but you can wait in the queue. |
| http://msk.swl.su:8073/ | Near Moscow (Khimki, Russia) | Very good reception. 855 kHz with Russian talk. The word “propaganda” was mentioned many times. Must not be a Russian word for that! |
| http://ze30.internetdsl.tpnet.pl:8888/ | Skopante, Poland |
This one seems to be a decent system. 657 kHz in unidentified language |
7) INDEPENDENT REPORTS FROM RADIO MONITORS AROUND THE WORLD:
Source: Glenn Hauser’s World of Radio IO Group
Submitted by Alan Roe, Teddington, UK
Radio Ukraine Intl being heard in (presumed) Ukrainian on 6005 kHz via Kall, Germany on 9 March at 0900 UTC. 0900-1000 was previously the slot for the German-language relay of RUI. I heard the end of a short English language segment at 0906 UTC tune-in, ending just a short while later at 0907 UTC.
Source: Glenn Hauser’s World of Radio IO Group
Submitted by Alan Roe, Teddington, UK
Radio Onda has continued its rebroadcast of Ukrainian TV on 6140 kHz shortwave via Borculo, Netherlands, all day. The TV video can be watched in parallel (a delay of a few seconds only) at http://www.nrcu.gov.ua/en/
Julio Roth (the operator of Radio Onda) advised me in an email that he intends to keep the relays running all week if possible.
*Source: Glenn Hauser’s World of Radio IO Group
Submitted by Ian Kelly, Tilehurst, Reading, UK, Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Subject: Re: [bdxc-news] Pirates spam UVB-76 The Buzzer 4625 with music and memes
I had a listen on 4625 kHz on Sunday evening 6 March, around 1840 to 1900 UTC, via the Twente webSDR receiver in the Netherlands. In between the buzzes from the Russian buzzer, I heard the following (all in USB):
The Animals - House Of The Rising Sun
Vera Lynn - We'll Meet Again
Comrade NC - Nightcore Moskau (according to Shazam)
Boney M - Rasputin
Ukraine National Anthem
Some whistling going on as well
An announcement in English - sounded like a UK accent
Whistling again "God Save The Queen" (UK National Anthem)
The music and whistling were no longer present when I tried much later in the evening and on checking again as I type this email.
Ian Kelly, Tilehurst, Reading, UK
Source: [SWL] Unusual broadcast on 7110 kHz.
From: Glenn Hauser, World of Radio, Enid, Oklahoma
Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:58:02 EST
VIA: Tue, 8 Mar 2022
From: Robin Harwood, Norwood, Tasmania
To: "SWL@mailman.qth.net"
Subject: [SWL] unusual broadcast on 7110 kHz.
There is a broadcaster on 7110 kHz in a European language with a news/current affairs program. I know Ethiopia has been there but the announcers are definitely not African. Frequent mentions of
Ukraine with male and female presenters. Signal was good at 0400 but is now dropping up and down in QSB. Music bridges and professional presentation. Language sounds Romanian or Polish. Anyone also hearing it? 0422 7110 UNID News/current Affairs. Frequent mentions of Ukraine. Signal was S9 at 0402 but has dropped to S6. Heard via Albertirsa, Hungary SDR.
Kyrgyz Radio Jammer
SOURCE: From: Mickey Delmage, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Date: Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:16:38 EST
I was checking 4010 kHz from various eastern European SDRs (Ukraine, Poland, Russia) at 2345 UTC March 7th and heard a very strong jammer on this frequency. The only station on this channel is Kyrgyz Radio and they reportedly come on 0000 to 1900 (including a Ukrainian broadcast on Mondays at 0430 to 0500 UTC).Jammer was off at re-check 0002 UTC with Kyrgyz Radio in the clear. They have a strong carrier and some days low audio here in central Alberta in our local pre dawn hours. Perhaps they or someone else tried using 4010 kHz for a Ukraine language broadcast. This is worth checking in the upcoming days.
8) RADIO FREQUENCIES TO MONITOR
AM Radio stations in Ukraine – These may be monitored using online Software Defined Receivers, or through streaming services. NOTE: These stations are broadcasting in Ukrainian and their on-air ability may be compromised at times.
AM (MW) FREQUENCIES
- 549
- 648 - Chonhar
- 657
- 873 – Chasiv Yar
- 1278 – Ukraine Radio 1 (recently activated)
Utility radio services in the region – Radio monitors around the world have been noting various military related communications, in Ukrainian and Russian, from time to time on the following frequencies. Transmission may be intermittent and will be generally be transmitted in the USB (Upper Sideband) mode. These can be monitored using a shortwave radio with sideband reception capabilities, Reception quality and strength will vary based on your location, as well as signal propagation conditions that can change dramatically from day to day. Patience and random monitoring is necessary to intercept transmissions as they occur.
SHORTWAVE FREQUENCIES
- 4380
- 4621
- 4625 – Nicknamed The Russian Buzzer - * see monitoring report above
- 4649.5
- 5330
- 5349
- 7580
- 7811
- 8131