On 17 February 2026, journalist Kseniia Sitinska reported obstruction while documenting the aftermath of a Russian strike on a residential complex in Odesa, where she was working on assignment for the TV channel Freedom. According to Sitinska, security guards at the residential complex repeatedly prevented the film crew from recording the damage, insisting that journalists needed permission from the building’s administration to work on the premises.
The journalist stated that despite presenting accreditation from the Ministry of Defence and explaining her legal right to report from the site of a strike on civilian infrastructure, guards continued to obstruct filming. At one point, a guard attempted to block the camera, and later unknown individuals approached the crew and also tried to interfere, without identifying themselves.
Sitinska reported that the crew was approached several times and was prevented from entering parts of the building, while attempts to contact the administration for permission were unsuccessful. Despite the obstruction, the journalists were ultimately able to gather material for their report.