Maria Zakharova
Russia considered Ukraine's sanctions against opposition channels to be censorship and an example of unfair competition. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova at a briefing.
The diplomat emphasized that such actions are contrary to Ukrainian laws and international obligations to protect freedom of speech. Zakharova recalled that as part of the election campaign, President Vladimir Zelensky, on the contrary, promised to respect the principles of linguistic diversity and freedom of speech.
“Despite all this, Ukraine continues to slide towards a totalitarian model of governance with violent Ukrainization,” she concluded.
On February 2, it became known that Zelensky put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on the application of sanctions against several TV channels: 112 Ukraine and regional channels under his logo, as well as ZIK and NewsOne. After his decree, they stopped broadcasting. Personal sanctions have also been imposed on Taras Kozak, a deputy from the Opposition Platform – For Life party, who owns the Novosti media holding. In this regard, the party “Opposition Platform – For Life” initiates the impeachment procedure for Zelensky.
