— Kateryna, you often work with reputation management and crisis situations. What advice would you give to someone under media attack?

It’s a painful but unfortunately common scenario. Competitors or hostile actors may leak manipulated or false information to journalists who publish distorted versions of events.

If such an article appears in English, it’s immediately indexed by Google — seen by banks, business partners, and embassies. This creates serious risks, from frozen accounts and broken deals to visa denials.

— How do people typically react when they become targets?

Some try to ignore it. Others respond emotionally. Some issue a denial in a local media outlet, which rarely spreads beyond a small region. But without a clear and strategic response plan, none of these efforts are effective.

— How do you build a protection strategy for clients?

First, we analyze the source: who published the content, the format and tone of the article, keywords used, and the overall logic of the attack.

Then, we take action:

• We contact the editorial team — if the outlet is legitimate.
• We prepare counter-content: interviews, official statements, and data-based analytics.
• We work with Google search results, Wikipedia entries, and due diligence databases.
• We engage legal teams in the U.S. or Europe, if necessary.

— Can you share an example?

Yes. One client from Central Asia became the target of a media smear campaign in Western outlets. We were able to clarify the situation, provide factual data, and ultimately helped protect their business reputation.

— What’s your advice for anyone facing a similar media attack?

Don’t stay silent. Don’t panic. And don’t assume the problem will go away on its own. Reputations can be restored — but only through strategic, professional action and a clear understanding of how the international media ecosystem works.

ABOUT THE COMPANY AND SPEAKER

SIC Group USA is an international strategic communications and government relations consulting firm specializing in crisis management, political consulting, reputation defense, and media relations. The company serves private clients, political leaders, business groups, and NGOs — especially in high-risk legal or reputational environments.

With offices in Washington, D.C., Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, SIC Group works with Western media, international law firms, and global institutions.

Kateryna Odarchenko is the Managing Partner of SIC Group USA, a political strategist and international consultant in Government Relations (GR). She is an expert in reputation protection for politically sensitive cases. Her commentary and analysis have been published by Atlantic Council, the Wilson Center, and CEPA. She is a frequent speaker at international political forums across the U.S. and Europe and advises both entrepreneurs and public figures in over 10 countries.

SIC Group and Kateryna Odarchenko provide expertise in:

• International media management and due diligence strategies
• Legal support in the U.S., EU, and UK
• Public campaigns under sanctions, legal investigations, or reputational attacks

The firm handles both open and confidential crisis situations that require discreet and high-level resolution.

📍 Washington, D.C.
🌐 www.sic-group.us
📩 info@sic-group.us
📞 +1 (240) 234-5187