Zelensky's office under fire for pressuring Ukrainian media
The independent portal Ukrayinska Pravda reported that the editorial team is facing "ongoing and systematic pressure" from President Volodymyr Zelensky's office. Businesses supporting the service have also encountered difficulties.
According to the editorial team, government representatives are prohibited from speaking to the journalists of Ukrayinska Pravda. There is also pressure on businesses to cease advertising cooperation with Ukrayinska Pravda.
During the August press conference, attention was also drawn to the "openly emotional conversation" between President Zelensky and journalist Roman Kravets.
"Especially outrageous"
"These and other non-public signals indicate attempts to influence our editorial policy. It is especially outrageous to realize this (comes) during the time of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when our joint struggle for both survival and democratic values is extremely necessary," it was assessed.
It was emphasised that attempts by the president's office representatives to influence journalists will be publicised and will have repercussions at the international level.
Ukrayinska Pravda is a portal that has been operating since 2000. Journalists of the service have been repeatedly subjected to repression throughout all Ukrainian governments. Some—like Heorhiy Gongadze or Pavlo Sheremet—were murdered because of their work. Bugging devices have also been found in the Ukrayinska Pravda's editorial office.
