See how it works
Book Kim with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Kim is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Kim
Kim Traill is a native English speaking video/print/photo journalist, based in Vienna since 2012. From 1990 - 2016, Kim has lived and worked in the former USSR for multiple periods, totalling approximately 5 years. During this time, she traveled extensively throughout Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia and the Baltic states. Kim speaks Russian, German and has a large network of contacts in many spheres of society, including media and human rights organisations. Between 1999 - 2015, Kim researched and filmed many long form documentaries in the former USSR, Afghanistan and Cuba for SBS Australia’s international current affairs program, Dateline. Among others, these include films about: the conflict in Chechnya; repression of media in Russia; the rise of Russian nationalism; the persecution of opposition activists in Belarus; drug addiction and the HIV epidemic in the former USSR; nuclear pollution; Russia’s ‘anti-gay propaganda’ law; and Chechen refugees from Vienna fighting in Syria. Kim has also worked separately as producer, camera, fixer, translator and reporter for various programs broadcast on ABC Australia, BBC Newsnight, PressTV, Puls4. Her book - Red Square Blues - The Decline and Fall of the Soviet Union - was published in 2009 by HarperCollins. More recently, Kim has freelanced as a journalist/photographer for ABC Australia’s online news features, reporting from Austria, Ukraine and Russia on social and political issues. For more information, see www.kimtraill.com
Russian
Portfolio
'Concentrated' camps for refugees: Austria's far-right government sparks outrage
Austria's new populist-right government, led by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, faces significant backlash for its controversial policies on refugees and Muslims. Protests led by groups like 'Grandmas against the Right' and the European Grassroots Anti-racist Movement highlight concerns over human rights and the government's far-right elements. Interior Minister Herbert Kickl's proposal to create 'concentrated' camps for refugees has sparked outrage, drawing parallels to Austria's Nazi past. Individuals like Peter Rieder, who have personally helped refugees, fear the negative impact of these policies on integration and human rights.
There are fears Ukraine's war threatens Europe's stability. But far from thinking about peace, the fighters and their support base behind the lines are digging in.
The article by Kim Traill discusses the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, highlighting the failure of high-level talks to restart the peace process and the growing nationalism on both sides. It presents personal stories of Ukrainians affected by the war, including displaced individuals and injured soldiers, emphasizing the deep divisions and the sense of duty felt by many to defend their country. The article also touches on the role of volunteers in supporting the military and the contrasting narratives between pro-Western and pro-Russian Ukrainians. It reports on Russia's denial of direct involvement in the conflict, despite evidence to the contrary, and the international community's condemnation of Russia's actions. The piece concludes with concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Ukraine and affect European stability.
'Is Jesus alive and well and living in Siberia? Yes, according to the thousands of European followers of Sergei Torop, a former Russian traffic cop and self-proclaimed second coming of Christ, 'Vissarion'. Deep in the mountains, Vissarion has built a community of 5000 followers from the former Soviet Union, Germany, Bulgaria and Belgium. "It's a mini-Soviet Union...the openness, trust, absence of selfishness.." says one commune member. "Society is non-harmonious", Vissarion explains. "It has to refashion itself radically."So far his somewhat unorthodox take on the Bible has attracted over 20,000 other followers worldwide. "It will be a new civilisation", insists Igor, a devout follower.'
Austria election: Populist politicians take the lead as immigration and Islam dominate campaign
Sebastian Kurz, Austria's Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, is leading the polls for the Austrian chancellorship with a campaign focused on immigration and border control. His party, the Austrian People's Party, has shifted to the right under his leadership, aligning closely with the populist Freedom Party and its leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, who is known for his anti-immigration stance. The campaign has negatively impacted Austria's Muslim community, with increased discrimination and the introduction of a burqa ban. Despite concerns, Kurz's approach has gained traction among voters who are worried about sustainability and the future of Austria's social welfare system. Critics, however, are wary of Kurz's narrow focus on immigration and lack of clarity on other policy areas.
Austria's new President Alexander Van Der Bellen faces difficult task of healing divided nation
Alexander Van Der Bellen, Austria's new president, faces the challenge of uniting a deeply divided nation after narrowly defeating far-right candidate Norbert Hofer. The election highlighted significant political polarization, with nearly half of voters supporting Hofer's anti-immigration stance. The Freedom Party's rise is attributed to public discontent with traditional centrist parties and concerns over immigration and economic policies. The article reflects on the broader European trend of increasing support for far-right movements, particularly in former communist states.
Austrian election: 'Donald Trump of Europe' Norbert Hofer favourite to become next president
Norbert Hofer, the candidate for Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO), is the frontrunner in the Austrian presidential elections, drawing comparisons to Donald Trump with his nationalist policies. The FPO has seen its strongest support since 1955, while the centrist parties suffered due to their handling of the refugee crisis. Hofer's opponent, Alexander Van Der Bellen, backed by the Greens, promotes unity and tolerance. Public opinion is swayed by fears surrounding the refugee crisis, with incidents of crime involving refugees fueling the debate. The election outcome could signal a shift towards more autocratic, repressive systems in Austria, similar to Poland or Hungary.
Austrian election: 'Donald Trump of Europe' Norbert Hofer favourite to become next president
Norbert Hofer, an ultra-nationalist leader with policies similar to Donald Trump, is favored to become Austria's next president. The final round of the presidential elections sees Hofer, from the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), competing against Alexander Van Der Bellen, an independent backed by the Greens. The election results reflect public anxiety over the refugee crisis, with traditional centrist parties performing poorly. Hofer's stance on immigration and national security has resonated with voters, though critics warn of his far-right ideology. The article highlights the polarized political climate and the impact of recent crimes involving refugees on public opinion.
EU migrant crisis: Austria's refugee compassion put to the test as country shifts to the right ahead of elections
Austria's initial compassionate response to the refugee crisis is being tested as the country shifts to the right ahead of elections. Volunteers like Nathalie Winger and Fatima Almukhtar continue to support refugees despite the government's new restrictive policies. Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann defends the quota system, while critics argue it exacerbates the crisis and empowers smugglers. The rise of the far-right Freedom Party and incidents like the Cologne assaults have influenced public opinion, leading to a more divided society.
Austria holds refugee talks as young Hazaras flee persecution to make 'dangerous' journey to Europe
Austria is hosting a summit with Balkan states to address the ongoing refugee crisis, particularly focusing on the plight of Afghan Hazaras fleeing persecution. The Hazaras, a Shia ethnic group, have faced centuries of persecution in Afghanistan and continue to suffer in Iran and Pakistan. Many young Hazaras are making dangerous journeys to Europe, driven by deteriorating security in Afghanistan and systemic discrimination in Iran. The article highlights the challenges faced by these refugees, including the pressure to integrate and support their families, and the broader geopolitical issues contributing to their plight, such as the resurgence of the Taliban and the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan.
Wars of the past haunt Russia's Syrian intervention
Huseyn Iskhanov, a former Chechen general, warns that Russia's military intervention in Syria could lead to a situation similar to the Chechen wars, with high civilian casualties and little impact on armed fighters. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Moscow and discussions with President Vladimir Putin raise concerns about the future of Russian support for his regime. Russia's bombing campaign is reportedly targeting rebel groups beyond Islamic State, potentially driving non-jihadists into the arms of extremists. Dr. Thomas Schmidinger suggests that Russia's strategy could turn Syria into another Afghanistan, with no end to the conflict in sight. The involvement of multiple international actors complicates the situation further, with no easy resolution.
Right challenge to hold on to power
Europe's refugee crisis dominated Vienna's mayoral election, with the Social Democrats retaining power despite a drop in vote share. Incumbent mayor Michael Häupl focused on humanitarian responses to the crisis, contrasting with Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache's hard-line stance. The election highlighted significant political divisions, with the Freedom Party gaining ground but ultimately falling short. The result was seen as a stand for humanity and a rejection of far-right ideologies.
×
Kim's
confirmed information
✓
Phone number
Verified Jun 2017
✓
Joined
Jun 2017