Transparency as a Prerequisite for Trust: Aspen Institute Kyiv Hosts a Dialogue Between the Supreme Court and the Media

On 20 March 2026, Aspen Institute Kyiv, in partnership with the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine, convened the dialogue “Transparency as a Prerequisite for Trust: The Judiciary, the Media, and Society.”

The event brought together justices of the Supreme Court of Ukraine, representatives of the media, and members of the expert community for an open discussion on the public responsibilities of both the judiciary and the media, as well as on how trust can be built and sustained in a time of war and heightened social polarisation.

 

The dialogue was designed to create a space for discussing complex and sensitive issues, including the search for shared approaches to interpreting the concept of the public interest and identifying practices that help society better understand judicial decisions.

Throughout the discussion, participants focused on the relationship between the courts and the media. They explored approaches to reporting on judicial proceedings that can either strengthen or undermine public trust in the justice system, examined the boundary between legitimate public criticism and potential pressure on the judiciary, and discussed how to balance openness and freedom of expression with respect for due process and professional responsibilities.

Particular attention was given to communication as the foundation of trust. Participants reflected on how the concept of the public interest is defined and what information society needs in order to better understand the work of the judiciary.

The dialogue repeatedly highlighted that public demand for justice can at times outweigh the demand for legal certainty. Participants agreed that trust remains the essential shared resource for both the judiciary and the media—the foundation of institutional legitimacy and the most valuable asset in their relationship with society. They also emphasised that cooperation between the courts and the media should be built on shared responsibility and a commitment to serving the public interest.

 

The dialogue was moderated by Denys Poltavets, Director of Program Development at Aspen Institute Kyiv, and Andrii Kulakov, Community Programme Coordinator at Aspen Institute Kyiv and Programme Director at Internews Ukraine.

The discussion reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces where representatives of different professional communities can do more than present their own perspectives—they can listen to one another, clarify expectations, and work together to strengthen public trust.

The dialogue “Transparency as a Prerequisite for Trust: The Judiciary, the Media, and Society” was organised in partnership with the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine.