German journalist faces backlash after unauthorised reporting from occupied Mariupol
Armin Koerper, hailing from the German public broadcaster ZDF and currently heading their Moscow television office, reported on Mariupol, which is under Russian occupation. His portrayal has been likened to Kremlin propaganda, as per claims by "Ukrainian Truth".
According to sources, Koerper stated that the locals, currently living under Russian occupation, are pro-Russian. He also suggested that the city was quickly being rebuilt but failed to highlight that this was due to destruction caused by the occupiers.
"Mariupol is far from being a ghost town. That's something I want to make very clear," reported Koerper.
Koerper described how life was carrying on in the city: businesses were operating, and amenities such as heating, hot water, and internet were readily available.
ZDF asserts that Koerper's reporting from Ukraine leaves no room for doubt that Russia unlawfully occupies Mariupol and who the perpetrators and victims are in this conflict.
Ukrainian response
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeyev, has voiced his disapproval. As detailed in "Ukrainian Truth," Makeyev shares the umbrage taken to the ZDF coverage, noting that many respected German journalists and experts, including Koerper's colleagues, have also expressed their objections.
The embassy officially opposed the report, issuing a letter to the editorial office noting its inappropriateness.
Source: "Ukrainian Truth"
