Armed With Cellphones, Ukrainian Civilians Fight Back Against Russia | Amanpour and Company

Ukrainians are holding off Russian forces not just on the ground, but also online. Government officials and a citizen IT army are transforming the digital landscape, adapting everyday technology into wartime survival tools. Investigative journalist Vera Bergengruen joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss the country’s virtual strategy -- and success.

Originally aired on April 6, 2022.

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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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[ginogina]

Excellent reporter. And cut her a break She’s a print journalist not a happy-talk mouthpiece. Not to mention she’s fluent in like 4 languages. I really appreciate her keeping us up to speed.

[lidiasantoro]

Not only are Ukrainians brave they are internet savvy too!
Remarkable indeed!
May truth and justice prevail!

[richardjones]

Unbelievable how quickly Ukraine adapted their app. And how useful it actually is.

[Thetequilashooter]

Despite all the tragedy caused by Putin’s crazy and demonic behavior, it’s beautiful to see people helping others in such large masses. This video is just one of many examples of people finding ways to help others.

[Timzart]

I've been waiting to see a good interview like this, about cell phones, apps, and use of the internet by Ukrainians as well as Russians. Too many journalists, historians, and writers make comparisons to propaganda in WWII or in the Cold War era and don't mention the impact of recent technologies. It has changed not only how people react to propaganda, but how people cooperate, get aid, and information in a time of extreme crisis. Even people who do not have a cell phone or aren't used to using various apps, can still get information from people who do.

[ssake_IAL_Research]

Crowd-sourced national defense--brilliant!

[Chereese]

Ukrainians are brilliant people.
Strong. Brave and intelligent.

[StephBer]

Zelensky seems to have surrounded himself with a good team of smart people who want to see Ukraine thrive. They hoped the Russians wouldn't come but they've prepared for this as best they can. We need to give them as much weaponry as we can, not just the US but European countries. Excellent reporting.

[jaykay]

When this many paid trolls show up to personally insult a journalist, it speaks to the effectiveness of her message. Congratulations!

[stephenhatt]

Much respect to all those reporters who are putting their lives in danger to keep the World informed, God Speed
Zoe, Canada

[claesvanoldenphatt]

The brilliant competence of Ukrainians is so inspiring! Reminds me of Cory Doctorow novel heroes, but in real life! Ukraine gives me hope for humanity and as soon as it’s relatively safe for an old guy like me, I’m going over there to help them rebuild. America needs Ukraine’s goodness and truth!

[sallyshipwreck]

A very forward looking country. Many innovative young people in government plus Zelenskyy's familiarity with entertainment industry has made them number one in adaptation to the situation. Either Zelenskyy is a genius or he has just turned his people loose. This is a front Russia has no way of countering. Excellent reporting.

[delmahnori]

The IT guýs in Ukraine arè heroes. They keep their army inform of every move n where to get certtain items n tell the world what happen inside Ukraine. God bless them. Without these IT guys the world would not have any idea whats going on in Ukraine. Thanks guys keep up the good work.

[VDash-Slesinski]

Awesome interview. Not all soldiers engage in physical battle. Armies need food support, medical support, supplies that can also include toilet paper. They also need administrative support and most importantly in these times technology and IT support.

[notumbusbumbus]

This is what happens when you let the science/engineering folks run the show instead of middle management.

[miker.]

Wow this was such an extraordinary story. Ukraine is a beacon to the world.

[richarddevine]

This is an incredible story. I can see Ukraine really leaping ahead of its neighbors after this was is over.

[cheebacheeo]

SLAVA UKRAINI! ❤️🙏🇺🇦🥇

Glory to Ukraine!
Greetings from Finland and Switzerland!

[Rnankn]

Americans should take note, government works for people when there is trust and participation. On the surface, this reporting seems to be about the adoption of technology, but it is more accurately about the state helping ordinary people accomplish the extraordinary.

[jaykay]

This level of journalism is why I watch PBS!