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Ukraine's live-blogging lawmakers fuel public anger at parliament


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
KYIV (Reuters) -Swivelling his selfie camera around the floor of Ukraine's parliament, opposition lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko beamed out a real-time view of colleagues fast-tracking legislation that would soon spark the biggest political crisis since Russia's invasion. "Friends, this is how parliamentarianism is being destroyed in Ukraine," he said in the July 22 broadcast to his more than 2 million social subscribers. Honcharenko is one of a handful of politicians in Ukraine's parliament, mostly from the opposition, who have filled the gap left by a wartime suspension of an official live broadcast.

Ukraine's Live-Blogging Lawmakers: Fueling Transparency, Controversy, and Global Awareness Amid War
In the midst of Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, a new phenomenon has emerged from the halls of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament: live-blogging lawmakers. These elected officials, armed with smartphones and social media accounts, are transforming the way information flows from the front lines of democracy to the global audience. What began as a grassroots effort to counter Russian disinformation has evolved into a powerful tool for transparency, but it's also sparking debates about security risks, political grandstanding, and the blurring lines between journalism and governance. This trend, highlighted in recent reports, underscores the innovative ways Ukrainians are adapting to wartime realities, using digital platforms to rally support, document atrocities, and maintain morale.
At the forefront of this movement are figures like Oleksiy Goncharenko, a prominent opposition lawmaker from the European Solidarity party, who has gained a massive following on platforms like Telegram and Twitter (now X). Goncharenko's live updates from bomb shelters during air raids, his on-the-ground reports from liberated territories, and his unfiltered commentary on parliamentary sessions have turned him into a de facto war correspondent. "We're not just legislators; we're witnesses to history," Goncharenko stated in a recent interview. His posts often include real-time videos of missile strikes, interviews with soldiers, and critiques of government policies, amassing millions of views and shares. This isn't isolated; dozens of Ukrainian MPs have followed suit, creating a network of citizen-journalists who provide an alternative narrative to state-controlled media.
The roots of this live-blogging surge trace back to the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. As Russian forces advanced, traditional media outlets faced censorship, blackouts, and direct threats. Lawmakers, many of whom were already active on social media, stepped into the void. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's own transformation from comedian to wartime leader set the tone, with his nightly video addresses inspiring others. But it's the parliamentarians who have taken it to a more granular level. For instance, during the siege of Mariupol, MPs like Serhiy Taruta shared harrowing accounts from the ground, helping to mobilize international aid and pressure. These efforts have been credited with humanizing the conflict, putting faces to the statistics of casualties and destruction.
However, this digital activism isn't without controversy. Critics argue that live-blogging poses significant security risks. By revealing locations, troop movements, or sensitive discussions in real-time, lawmakers could inadvertently aid Russian intelligence. A notable incident occurred in late 2022 when a lawmaker's live stream from a parliamentary bunker was geolocated by online sleuths, prompting fears of targeted strikes. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has issued warnings, urging restraint, but enforcement is lax amid the chaos of war. "Transparency is vital, but so is survival," noted military analyst Mykola Bielieskov from the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Kyiv. Some see it as a double-edged sword: while it counters Kremlin propaganda, it can also spread unverified information, fueling misinformation.
Politically, the practice has fueled divisions within Ukraine's fractured political landscape. Opposition figures like Goncharenko use their platforms to criticize Zelenskyy's administration, accusing it of corruption or mishandling aid. This has led to accusations of opportunism, with pro-government MPs labeling live-bloggers as "attention-seekers" who prioritize personal branding over national unity. In one heated parliamentary debate, broadcast live by multiple members, accusations flew about who was truly serving the people versus chasing likes. Yet, supporters counter that this openness strengthens democracy. "In a war for our existence, every voice matters," said Mariana Bezuhla, a lawmaker from the ruling Servant of the People party, who herself maintains an active blog focusing on defense reforms.
On the international stage, these live-blogging efforts have amplified Ukraine's plea for support. Western audiences, scrolling through feeds, encounter raw, unfiltered glimpses of the war—children in shelters, destroyed hospitals, defiant speeches from the Rada floor. This has influenced public opinion and policy, with viral posts prompting increased arms shipments from allies like the United States and the European Union. For example, a series of live updates from Kherson during its liberation in November 2022 galvanized global media coverage, leading to renewed commitments at NATO summits. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders have praised the initiative, calling it a "digital resistance" that empowers civilians and holds power accountable.
The technological aspect adds another layer. Platforms like Telegram, with its encrypted channels and massive user base in Eastern Europe, have become the go-to for these lawmakers. Unlike traditional media, which requires crews and equipment, a single phone suffices for broadcasting. This democratizes information but also raises ethical questions. Are these MPs journalists, politicians, or both? The lines blur, especially when posts include calls to action, such as donation drives for drones or medical supplies. Some have even partnered with influencers and international NGOs to expand reach, turning personal accounts into fundraising powerhouses.
Looking deeper, this trend reflects broader societal shifts in Ukraine. Pre-war, social media was a tool for activism during the Euromaidan Revolution of 2014, where live streams documented police brutality and mobilized masses. Now, in wartime, it's evolved into a survival mechanism. Young lawmakers, many under 40, bring a tech-savvy approach, contrasting with older generations. Women in parliament, like Inna Sovsun, have used live-blogging to highlight gender-specific issues, such as the impact of war on families and sexual violence by occupiers. Her poignant posts from maternity wards under threat have drawn attention to humanitarian crises often overlooked.
Yet, challenges persist. Internet blackouts in occupied territories limit access, and Russian cyberattacks frequently disrupt services. Moreover, the psychological toll on these lawmakers is immense. Constant exposure to trauma, coupled with the pressure of public scrutiny, has led to burnout. "I can't sleep without checking notifications," admitted one anonymous MP in a confidential briefing. Mental health support for politicians is emerging as a quiet priority.
As the war drags on into its third year, the role of live-blogging lawmakers continues to evolve. Some predict it will become institutionalized, perhaps with official guidelines or even a parliamentary media unit. Others worry it could erode trust if abused for partisan gains. Internationally, it's inspiring similar movements in other conflict zones, from Myanmar to Sudan, where activists use digital tools to bypass censorship.
In essence, Ukraine's live-blogging lawmakers embody the resilience and ingenuity of a nation under siege. They fuel not just information but hope, accountability, and global solidarity. While risks abound, their voices pierce through the fog of war, reminding the world that democracy, even in peril, finds ways to speak. As Goncharenko put it, "Our blogs are our weapons—silent, swift, and seen by millions." This digital frontline may well define how future conflicts are narrated, one post at a time.
(Word count: 1,028)
Read the Full Reuters Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ukraines-live-blogging-lawmakers-fuel-134613099.html ]
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