Editorial Policy

SHELTER is an independent Ukrainian online media outlet covering social and political issues, operating according to the principles of responsible journalism.

We create content not to persuade, but to explain. Our goal is to provide readers with enough verified information so they can navigate current events on their own and form their own conclusions.

The editorial team does not use manipulative framing, does not substitute facts with opinions, and does not impose subjective judgments on readers.

Handling Information

We verify information to the greatest extent possible in each specific case. We give priority to official primary sources, documents, and firsthand accounts.

We distinguish between facts and rumors and do not use unverified information as the basis for our articles. If information is obtained from witnesses or sources, we strive to verify it further.

We accurately reflect the positions of all parties and do not simplify arguments to fit a convenient narrative. If the picture of an event is incomplete or has limitations, we state this explicitly.

We assume that any source may be mistaken or biased, so we critically evaluate all information received, regardless of its origin.

Anonymous Sources

We use anonymous sources only when the information is of public interest and cannot be obtained through open channels.

In such cases, we take on the additional responsibility of verifying the data and strive to provide readers with enough context to assess the reliability of the information.

Anonymous sources are not used to disseminate value judgments or personal characterizations of other people.

The Public Interest Principle

We may publish sensitive or restricted information only when there is a clear public interest.

This applies to cases where the information concerns possible abuses, violations of the law, or actions that could harm people or society. In such situations, we must justify why publication is necessary.

Standards of Analysis

We base our reporting on facts, not assumptions.

If there are several possible explanations for an event, we consider them all and do not present a single version as the only one without sufficient grounds. We avoid oversimplifications, logical fallacies, and artificially piecing together facts to fit a convenient narrative.

We distinguish between facts, conclusions, and opinions. In news and analysis, we work with facts and well-founded conclusions, and we allow subjective assessments only in appropriate formats and clearly label them as such.

We do not declare a person guilty of a crime without a court ruling, but we may point out the presence of indications of violations if this is supported by verified data and logic.

Presentation of Content

We present information in a way that is clear, accurate, and transparent to the reader.

Headlines must correspond to the content of the article and not create false expectations. In our texts, we clearly cite sources of information, explain the context, and avoid phrasing that could be misleading.

We do not use emotionally charged language as a tool for influence. Our language is direct, clear, and understandable, without deliberate emphasis.

Ethics and Responsibility

We do not manipulate information, mislead readers, or violate agreements with our sources.

We recognize that journalism has an impact—and we take that impact seriously, especially given society’s high sensitivity to information.

If we make mistakes, we correct them openly and transparently.