Hi there! With the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, I know many are looking for reliable ways to follow live updates on this rapidly evolving situation. Having real-time coverage at your fingertips across all your devices is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the best apps and services for streaming live Russia/Ukraine news on popular devices like Firestick, Roku, Android phones/tablets, and more.
Whether you want breaking national coverage or local reporting relevant to your community, I‘ve got you covered. Follow along for tips to access the top news sources, stay updated, and tune in safely from anywhere.
Why Live Streaming Coverage Matters
Before diving into the how-to, let‘s briefly discuss why accessing these live news streams matters. With misinformation running rampant online, it‘s vital to watch trusted journalism straight from the source.
Fact-based reporting with on-the-ground footage provides unmatched insight. According to the Reuters Institute, over half of Americans relied on live TV for news about Russia‘s invasion last year.
Streaming also allows you to get updates in real-time from multiple perspectives, form educated opinions, and stay engaged wherever you are. Enabling push notifications is a must too.
Now more than ever, we need to come together as informed citizens and support Ukraine. My guide will equip you with the tools to do so.
Firestick and Fire TV: Live News Apps to Download
Among the 70% of US streamers who own Roku or Fire TV devices, Firestick remains a fan favorite for its affordability and versatility. Luckily, Firestick and Fire TV offer several excellent apps to watch unfolding events overseas:
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV‘s free live TV service hosts multiple 24/7 news channels – over 40 million viewers tuned in last quarter. Russia Today (RT) was recently removed, but you can still access live CBSN, NBC News Now, Newsmax and more.
It takes just minutes to install the app from the Amazon Appstore. Pluto‘s on-demand news clips supplement their standard coverage.
2. Haystack TV
This news aggregator app compiles live streams from dozens of outlets into one place. It saw a 185% increase in viewership last March when the invasion began.
Haystack has a entire section dedicated to the war with streams from ABC News Live, Yahoo, Newsy and more. You can even watch simultaneous feeds on a split-screen.
3. Amazon News App
Already installed on Fire TVs, the Amazon News App offers live national news from top providers. It also personalized news briefings and interactive radars.
Plus, X-Ray gives you supplemental info on people/places mentioned in headlines.
4. Newsy
Newsy focuses on impartial news analysis without partisan bias. Their app provides both live video and short-form news summaries.
Currently, they have two 24/7 Ukraine live streams – Ukraine War Report and Ukraine: Latest Video – along with on-demand clips.
Other Options
Apps like Stirr, Local Now, and TUFF TV also have local or web-based news options to stay aware of regional impacts. Some may be limited.
I suggest installing a few apps so you have multiple viewing options readily available. Check ratings and reviews first in the Appstore.
For instructions on installing apps on a Firestick, Amazon has a handy guide here. The process only takes a few minutes.
Roku: fuboTV, Haystack TV, YouTube and more
Roku‘s 47 million active users in the U.S. offer another great streaming audience for news outlets. Luckily, Roku‘s channel store is filled with live coverage options:
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fuboTV – This paid live TV streaming service offers a free 7-day trial. Their base package includes major networks like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
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Haystack TV – As mentioned above, Haystack compiles live streams from various sources and works seamlessly on Roku.
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YouTube – Media outlets like CNN broadcast free live coverage on their YouTube channels which you can watch.
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PlutoTV – Available on Roku too, Pluto TV houses many free live news channels from Reuters, CNET, Bloomberg and more.
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Hulu – Hulu‘s live TV add-on gives you access to cable news and local stations to stay informed.
I suggest browsing Roku‘s news category yourself as new options are added regularly. Having both national outlets and local coverage is ideal.
Android Phones and Tablets: Versatile Apps
The Google Play Store offers apps tailored for Android mobile devices to stay up-to-date on the go:
1. YouTube
Major networks live stream for free on YouTube. Subscribing makes their channels easy to access. Turn on notifications so you‘re alerted as soon as they go live.
2. NewsON
This app provides local and national news streams from hundreds of stations. You can even watch multiple feeds simultaneously.
3. Haystack TV
Haystack works seamlessly on Android with dedicated Ukraine content. You can enable alerts on specific topics too.
4. fuboTV
The fuboTV app grants access to leading TV news channels with a free trial. Stream worldwide.
5. News 360
News360 aggregates stories from top sources based on your interests and location. You can follow Ukraine interactively.
Search "Ukraine live stream" directly in the YouTube app or Google to find even more options as well.
Local News: Stay Informed on Community Impacts
Local news is crucial for understanding how global events affect your region. With over 83% of U.S. adults following local news closely, here are some streaming options:
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Download your local station‘s news app – many provide free live streams
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Check their website for live coverage and newscasts
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Use NewsON on Fire TV and Roku to access local broadcasts
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Try an HD antenna to watch local stations over-the-air
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Subscribe to a live TV streaming service with your local channels
Also follow community organizations and officials for updates. Getting news tailored to your area helps put national events in perspective.
Additional Tips and Resources
Here are some final recommendations for accessing coverage:
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Use a VPN if streams are blocked in your region. I recommend [insert VPN].
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Check for mirror and proxy sites that may provide restricted content.
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Follow journalists on the ground in Ukraine on social media for real-time updates.
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Enable push notifications on news apps so you‘re immediately alerted to live video and breaking stories.
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Use aggregation apps like Haystack TV and News360 to easily flip between outlets.
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Consider donating to Ukrainian news organizations directly if you‘re able.
My goal was to give you all the tools needed to stay engaged with this ongoing humanitarian crisis. I‘m happy to answer any other questions you may have in the comments! Please share any issues accessing coverage too.
Wishing you peace and comfort as we face these challenging times together. Let us stand united in truth.
