Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry Warns Media Over Participation in Russian Propaganda Tours

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tikhiy, sharply criticized a number of international media for participating in a propaganda press tour to Ukraine’s territories occupied by Russia.

According to the diplomat, the organizer of the trip was the Russian Defense Ministry; each participant in the tour allegedly violated international law and Ukrainian legislation, having illegally crossed the uncontrolled section of the state border.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the media could face legal consequences, including a ban on entry.

Reaction of the MFA and the potential consequences for the media

“Media outlets that participated will face serious reputational consequences and problems in their activities in Ukraine. We will officially address the headquarters of these outlets in their capitals with a demand for apologies and an end to such practices.”

The official stated that such tours do not serve journalism, but rather whitewash war crimes. Tikhiy stressed that when foreign journalists were taken to the occupied territories, at least 28 Ukrainian reporters ended up in Russian prisons.

The official representatives of the MFA noted that the process of identifying the media and their representatives has been started to ensure accountability for violations.

“Such tours are the reason trust in the media is eroding. People are turning to social networks instead of reporters who cannot distinguish right from wrong”

According to the MFA, identification mechanisms and appropriate accountability measures have already been launched so that each tour participant will be held responsible for possible violations.

Earlier, Russian propagandist media reported on the arrival to Donbas of representatives from the United States, France, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Slovakia, Belgium, and Bangladesh. In particular, they mentioned Kairos editor Alexander Penasa (Belgium), American Pearson Sharp, Bangladeshi professor Sintiya Ann McKinney, former Czech Parliament member Jaroslav Dubrava, and others.

The event demonstrates growing international pressure on media involved in propagandist projects and underscores the drive for greater accountability for violations of international law during crisis coverage.