Zelensky's office accused of pressuring independent media
The independent portal Ukrainska Pravda has reported that the editorial team is experiencing "ongoing and systematic pressure" from the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Businesses supporting the service have also faced challenges.
According to the editorial team, government officials are banned from communicating with Ukrainska Pravda journalists. Additionally, there is pressure on businesses to end their advertising partnerships with Ukrainska Pravda.
Attention was also drawn to the "openly emotional conversation" President Zelensky had with journalist Roman Krawets during a press conference in August.
"Espetially 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 emphasized that attempts by representatives of the president's office to influence journalists will be publicized and will have effects at the international level.
Ukrainska Pravda is a portal operating since 2000. The service's journalists have faced repression under all Ukrainian governments. Some, like Heorhiy Gongadze and Pavlo Sheremet, were murdered due to their work. Bugs were also found in the Ukrainska Pravda editorial office.
