Ukrainian President bans Russia supporter news channels: United States

Kyiv/Moscow: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has banned the Russia supporter news channels. These include ‘112 Ukraine’, ‘NewsONE’ and ZIK TV. President Zelensky justified his decision saying ‘Although Ukraine supports freedom of expression, it will not tolerate a propaganda campaign by an aggressive country on the strength of financial might. The United States has declared complete support to the Ukrainian President’s decision, but Europe has expressed concerns over the decision. The popularity of the Ukrainian President, elected two years ago, is seen to be declining. Zelensky came to power highlighting issues like internal reforms and solution to the conflict with Russia in eastern Ukraine. But his government has failed on both these fronts and given the Coronavirus pandemic. The Ukrainian economy is also facing a crisis. As per analysts, in this situation, President Zelensky is trying to save his place by targeting the Russia supporter groups and media. While banning the three news channels, sanctions have also been imposed against the Ukrainian lawmaker, Taras Kozak, the news channels owner.

Strong reactions have been received from Russia over the action taken by Zelensky. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia denounces this ban strongly. Moreover, these restrictions are against international regulations and freedom of expression. Agencies like the OICE should look into the matter.’ Russian lawmaker Alexi Pushkov criticised that Zelensky has shown that he cannot face political competition with this ban on the news channels. The Russian foreign ministry also has expressed displeasure over the decisions.

The European Union also has fired salvos of criticism on the decision. Spokesman of the European Union said that while acting against the propaganda campaigns operated from foreign countries, there should be no obstruction of freedom of expression. Spokesman of the European Union also appealed that international regulations and fundamental rights should be respected while taking such decisions. Until now, the picture was that the European Union was backing Ukraine, in its dispute with Russia. Against this background, the criticism of the Ukrainian President’s decision, made by the European Union becomes noteworthy.

While the European Union is criticising the decision, the United States and the United Kingdom have declared support for the decision. The US embassy in Ukraine reacted that using incorrect information against a country during a media war should be stopped. Saying that false information and wrong propaganda cannot form a part of freedom of the media, senior US official Courtney Austrian declared the US support for the Ukrainian decision. It has also been reported that the Ukrainian President had a telephonic discussion with US President Joe Biden over the telephone, before announcing the decision.

Meanwhile, the difference of opinion between the United States and Europe is becoming evident over Russia’s issues. While the United States is imposing sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, leading European country, Germany, has taken a firm stand to complete the project. The United States accused that Russia was carrying out cyberattacks on the companies engaged in manufacturing Coronavirus vaccine. At the same time, Europe is in talks for purchasing the vaccine developed by Russia, for the European population. While the new US President Joe Biden indicates taking a stern stand against Russia, Europe seems to be increasing closeness with Russia. This development is significant from the perspective of the geo-political and diplomatic equation.