Sign in

Finbarr Toesland

@finbarrtoesland.bsky.social
120 followers 114 following 26 posts

British award-winning Ukraine correspondent ✍️🇺🇦 Currently📍Kyiv Words in NBC News, Monocle, i Paper, British Vogue, BBC, Reuters, The Spectator

PostsRepliesMedia
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Is the United Kingdom ready for Putin’s growing hybrid war? My piece for @theipaper.com looks into what the UK can learn from Ukraine as Moscow’s cyber warfare campaign escalates. inews.co.uk/news/world/u...
inews.co.uk
The UK is unprepared for Putin's war on a new front
A masterclass in tech innovation could boost Britain's chances of defending against Russian attacks
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
After reporting from Kyiv on and off for the past four years, I wanted to share some of the realities facing people in the city. Even in wartime, life has to go on, despite deadly missile and drone bombardments that destroy homes, business and often kill civilians.
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
For @theipaper.com, I reported from Kyiv and Lviv to find out how war wounds in Ukraine may be helping fuel the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs across Europe. “You’re basically becoming a biological weapon.” inews.co.uk/news/world/p...
inews.co.uk
'Patients are a biological weapon': Ukraine's superbugs that are spreading in Europe
War injuries are raising the stakes for combatting so-called 'superbugs' and their spread
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Thrilled to be joining @bridgdivides.bsky.social at @torontomet.bsky.social @globalmigrationtmu.bsky.social as a Visiting Journalism Fellow ✨ If anyone is in Toronto or has any recommendations for places to visit, people to meet or things I shouldn’t miss, let me know 👀
022
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
My dispatch from Kyiv's queer nightlife scene for @xtramagazine.com Despite curfews, blackouts and anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, queer clubs and raves are bringing people together in Ukraine's capital city. An absolute pleasure working with @cohaug.bsky.social & @tmziniuk.bsky.social
073
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
For my latest piece in Service95, I went to Kyiv, Lviv and Uzhhorod to explore how the traditional Ukrainian vyshyvanka, an embroidered shirt passed down through generations, has become a powerful symbol of identity during wartime. service95.com/ukraine-vysh...
service95.com
How The Vyshyvanka Became A Symbol Of Ukranian Pride
Four years since the attacks began on Ukraine, and the traditional vyshyvanka shirt is being worn more than ever. Here's why locals are returning to tradition.
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
My latest dispatch from inside Uzhhorod, a western Ukrainian city that may be the safest in the country, for @theipaper.com The impact of war is felt here deeply, with mothers grieving over their sons who have been killed on the frontline. inews.co.uk/news/world/i...
inews.co.uk
Inside Ukraine's safest city - and why it's the only one Putin hasn't bombed
Uzhhorod's close proximity to Hungary could play a key part in keeping it safe
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
My dispatch from Kyiv for @theipaper.com Inside Kyiv's British-themed pubs - and why Ukrainians still love Boris Johnson inews.co.uk/news/world/v...
inews.co.uk
Inside Kyiv's British-themed pubs - and why Ukrainians still love Boris Johnson
Amid Churchill's prized tipples and plates of bangers and mash, locals have created a haven of friendly foreign culture as war rages around them
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
My latest for @theipaper.com looks at Ukraine’s mobilisation system and the intense public concern around forced recruitment. Ukraine's military recruitment officials have been accused of violently hauling men into vans and forcing them into conscription
inews.co.uk
How Ukrainian military press gangs are grabbing citizens off the street
Ukraine's military recruitment officials have been accused of violently hauling men into vans and forcing them into conscription
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
What does it mean to live under a blitz, night after night, in Kyiv? My latest piece for @theipaper.com examines how residents navigate relentless overnight strikes, disrupted infrastructure and the psychological toll of long-term conflict.
inews.co.uk
'I hope we won't die': What it's like to live through Putin's blitz on Kyiv
I spent the night in a bomb shelter as Russia's drone attacks and assaults on Ukraine's energy networks worsen
010
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Really pleased to be on the shortlist for Best Investigation in the @freelancingfor.bsky.social Awards for my investigation for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on "How US Religious Groups are Exporting Conversion Therapy to Europe" freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
011
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
For @gaytimes.bsky.social, I travelled to Kyiv and Lviv to meet the queer activists and artists racing to preserve LGBTQIA+ stories and cultural heritage before they’re lost to war. Thanks to @n-ost.bsky.social & @evzfoundation.bsky.social magazine.gaytimes.com/how-ukraines...
magazine.gaytimes.com
How Ukraine’s queer artists and activists are safeguarding LGBTQIA+ memory in wartime
Finbarr Toesland speaks to Ukrainian activists and artists preserving queer memory amidst war
010
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Incredible few days in Bern🇨🇭with @truestoryfestival.bsky.social as nominees for the @truestoryaward.bsky.social🌟 Highlights were speaking to a class of secondary school students about our investigation into conversion therapy practices and our panel going in-depth on the ins and outs of our work :)
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
What an incredible night at the Amnesty Media Awards 2025! The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact journalism can have in the fight for human rights. Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists 🌟 #AmnestyMediaAwards
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Honored to be nominated for an @amnestyuk.bsky.social Media Award for my @bigissue.com article on the journey of Ukrainian refugees! Grateful to have my work recognised alongside so many incredible journalists shining a light on human rights ✨ #AmnestyMediaAwards
000
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
The i Paper @theipaper.com · 06/03/2025
🇺🇦 Ukrainians have expressed their fear that America’s continuing assault on its ally, removing lifeline after lifeline, will force the country into capitulating to Russia 🔎 Big Read by @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social and @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social
inews.co.uk
'Putin is the only one who benefits': Ukrainians fear worse to come after Trump’s aid halt
Kyiv MPs and civilians doubt the Ukraine-US alliance can return to how it was before
072
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
In the hours after the United States cut off military aid to Ukraine, I spoke to Ukrainian MPs Bohdan Yaremenko, Yulia Klymenko, Volodymyr Ariev and Oleksiy Goncharenko about the future of Ukraine-US relations for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk
'Putin is the only one who benefits': Ukrainians fear worse to come after Trump’s aid halt
Kyiv MPs and civilians doubt the Ukraine-US alliance can return to how it was before
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Great to chat with Winston Mwale and the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism about the critical world of human rights reporting and the value of exploring underreported issues #TransparencyTalks
open.spotify.com
#TransparencyTalks With Finbarr Toesland
Transparency Talks · Episode
000
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
Rory Peck Trust @rorypecktrust.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Friday #Freelancer Spotlight. This week we are shining a light on multi-award winning #independent investigative journalist @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social Finbarr is committed to illuminating vital human rights stories and underreported issues. www.thedailybeast.com/ex-gay-influ...
thedailybeast.com
TikTok Is Flooding Gen Z With Conversion Therapy Propaganda
Mainstream medical groups reject the idea of “gay conversion therapy” but a new generation of social media influencers are pushing an updated version to their young fans.
112
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
'Russia won't stop until it takes everything' In central Kyiv, I spoke to Ukrainians as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks, without Kyiv, on the future of their country. @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk
'Russia won't stop until it takes everything': What Ukrainians want Trump to know
Ukrainians have expressed shock, upset and a deep sense of betrayal as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks without Kyiv on the future of their country
074
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Extremely grateful to receive the Tenacious Journalist Award alongside some amazing people! Excited to get started on a deep investigation thanks to the support and funding of @publicinterestnews.org.uk and Changing Ideas :)
publicinterestnews.org.uk
Announcing: 2025’s Tenacious Journalists!
Jaldeep Katwala is thrilled to be announcing the finalists of the inaugural Tenacious Journalist awardsIn October 2024, Changing Ideas and PINF announced a new annual award celebrating the power of te...
020
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
From 1049 entries to 108 shortlisted and 36 nominated, so exciting that our conversion therapy investigation is one of the nominees for the True Story Award!! Can't wait to attend the ceremony in Bern to find out the 3 winners :) Beyond proud of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
002
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Meet the lawyers combatting anti-trans laws in the legal courts and fighting for a more just world My interview with @jolyonmaugham.bsky.social of @goodlawproject.bsky.social for @gaytimes.bsky.social
magazine.gaytimes.com
Meet the lawyers combatting anti-trans laws in the legal courts and fighting for a more just world
Jo Maugham of the Good Law Project on legal advocacy for trans rights, challenging the ban on puberty blockers and growing anti-trans attitudes
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Thrilled to be selected by the Aspen Institute UK as a Rising Leaders Fellow! Joining this network of inspirational and innovative young leaders is a privilege and I very much look forward to seeing what we collectively achieve 🌎 Excited to see where this Fellowship leads 😇
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
It's a bit different from my normal work but... For @inews.co.uk: 'I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year'
inews.co.uk
I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year
A childhood fascination, curiosity and a hectic year lead to an unconventional escape beside the M1
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Very exciting to be longlisted for the Tenacious Journalism Awards from @publicinterestnews.bsky.social! Lots of amazing journalists on the list :)
publicinterestnews.org.uk
Meet the 20 Outstanding Applicants Longlisted for the Tenacious Journalist Awards
Jaldeep Katwala announces the 20 applicants longlisted for the first ever Tenacious Journalist Award and introduces the expert panel with the truly difficult job of awarding the prizes.We’re delighted...
000
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Beyond exciting to find out that our conversion therapy investigation has been shortlisted for the True Story Award! Amazing recognition of our dream team of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social All the stories can be read here: www.journalismfund.eu/therapy-conf... taz.de/Christliche-...
journalismfund.eu
Inside Europe’s Secret Conversion Therapy Conference | Journalismfund Europe
WARSAW – What brings a motley crew of British lawyers, Polish psychologists, American paediatricians, Malaysian church leaders and German doctors to a hotel on the outskirts of a European capital city...
031
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
antonia groß @aagro.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Vor 1 Jahr in der @taz.de: unsere Reportage von einer geheimen Konferenz christlicher Organisationen, die sich über krude Methoden zur "Heilung" von queeren Menschen - bzw. Konversionsbehandlung - ausgetauscht haben. Jetzt ist der Text für den True Story Award shortlisted 😱💥 taz.de/Christliche-...
Screenshot of Website showing the Shortlist for True Story Award 2025
072
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
antonia groß @aagro.bsky.social · 13/12/2023
Sie treffen sich heimlich, um zu lernen, wie man LGBTIQ "heilt". Finbarr Toesland, Rina Nikolaeva und ich waren undercover auf dem internationalen Vernetzungstreffen einer christlichen Lobby-Organisation, die unter dem Deckmantel der Wissenschaft...
23315
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
Rachel Savage @rachelmsavage.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Sobering piece by @sammygecsoyler.bsky.social on the decline of LGBTQ+ and other minority-focused media in the UK (and the world!)
theguardian.com
Uncertain future of PinkNews sparks fears for LGBTQ+ media in UK
Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct made against bosses of title billed as safe space for journalists
034
Finbarr Toesland @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
I shared my thoughts on the PinkNews situation with @theguardian.com (thanks for the chat @sammygecsoyler.bsky.social) "If you’re a young queer journalist who wants to work in LGBTQ+ media, or tell stories you feel are really urgent and vital, where are you going to do it?"
021
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
The i Paper @theipaper.com · 15/12/2024
💬 ‘Even one knot can save a life’ say the hundreds of Kitty Pechersk, or Cave Cats volunteers, who work in the heart of Kyiv crafting essential kit for the trenches @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social reports on the volunteers fighting back by weaving camouflage
inews.co.uk
The volunteers fighting back against Putin by weaving camouflage for Ukraine
‘Even one knot can save a life’ say the hundreds of Kitty Pechersk, or Cave Cats volunteers, who work in the heart of Kyiv crafting essential kit for the trenches
182