In a significant escalation of the information war surrounding the Ukraine conflict, Russia has banned broadcasting and Internet access for 81 major European media outlets. This move comes as a direct retaliation to sanctions imposed by the European Union on several Russian media entities. The Kremlin's decision targets prominent media from countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, including well-known names like El País, Le Monde, and Der Spiegel.
The Russian Foreign Ministry justified the ban by accusing these European media outlets of disseminating false information about Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine. The ministry emphasized that these measures are a response to the EU's politically motivated harassment and unfounded bans on Russian media. The EU had previously sanctioned Russian state-controlled media like RIA Novosti, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, and Izvestia, accusing them of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda and destabilizing neighboring countries.
The list of banned European media includes a wide range of outlets, from newspapers and magazines to television channels and news agencies. Among the affected are the Spanish news agency EFE, the German newspaper Die Zeit, the Italian La Repubblica, the French Le Monde, and the Dutch magazine Algemeen Dagblad. Television channels such as Italy's RAI, France's LC1, and Ireland's RTE are also on the blacklist.
Moscow's retaliatory measures have further strained relations between Russia and the EU. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the responsibility for this escalation lies solely with the EU leaders and the countries supporting the bloc. The ministry indicated that if the EU lifts its restrictions on Russian media, Russia might reconsider its own bans.
This development comes amid increasing restrictions on foreign journalists in Russia. Several correspondents from banned European media have been expelled or have left the country for security reasons. The processing of new accreditations for journalists between Russia and some European countries remains blocked. Additionally, Russian journalists working for Western media have faced detentions and other forms of repression.
Despite the media ban, Russians continue to access banned websites using VPN applications. Social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, which are banned in Russia, remain accessible through these means. The official accounts of the Russian government and many elite members continue to use these platforms for communication.
- The ongoing information war has seen both sides taking stringent measures against each other's media outlets. In mid-May, the European Union imposed sanctions on four Russian media outlets, accusing them of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda. In response, Russia has now blocked access to numerous European media outlets, further escalating the conflict.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement highlighted that the ban is a direct response to the EU's actions. The ministry accused the EU of politically motivated harassment and emphasized that the responsibility for the current situation lies with the EU leaders.
- The situation has also affected the accreditation process for journalists. Several correspondents from now-banned European media have been expelled from Russia, and the processing of new accreditations remains blocked. This has created a challenging environment for journalists trying to report on the situation from within Russia.
- Despite these restrictions, many Russians continue to access banned websites using VPN applications. This allows them to bypass the government's censorship and access information from foreign media outlets. Social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, which are banned in Russia, remain accessible through these means.
