Russia’s Media Blackout: The Battle for Information Amid Conflict with Ukraine and Western Sanctions

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused significant disruptions in the media landscape, with many Western outlets facing censorship measures. This has made it difficult for individuals in Russia to access information from these outlets, including the BBC. In response to EU sanctions against Russian propaganda outlets, Russia has retaliated by blocking 81 media outlets from the EU, including ORF and Austria’s oe24.at.

Among the affected media outlets are major news agencies such as EFE and AFP, as well as television channels like RAI and LC1. Publications like Politico, The World, The Country, and RTVE are also impacted. The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused these outlets of spreading false information about the conflict in Ukraine.

The blocking of European media is seen by some as a reaction to alleged false reporting about Russia’s actions in Ukraine. However, others argue that this is an attempt to limit access to diverse perspectives and control the narrative surrounding the conflict. Despite the restrictions, employees from these outlets are still allowed to work in the EU.

Russian journalists who criticize Putin’s policies often face censorship and imprisonment. Thousands of websites are also blocked in Russia, requiring users to access them through VPN servers. The trial of journalist Evan Gershkovich from the Wall Street Journal for alleged espionage is set to begin soon. Additionally, ORF correspondent Maria Knips-Witting had her accreditation withdrawn in June due to unknown reasons and has since returned to Austria.