Leading Ukrainian media accuses Zelenskyy’s office of attempts at silencing

The Media Movement, a coalition of Ukrainian media outlets, journalists, and civil society organizations advocating journalistic integrity, has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop any pressure on the media from state officials or advisors, ensure transparency and openness of state bodies in communication with journalists, and provide the press with unhindered access to information important to the public.

Journalists made this statement after the Institute of Mass Information published a short interview with the chief editor of “Ukrainska Pravda,” Sevgil Musaieva, who claimed that the President’s Office has been calling advertisers and asking them not to place ads in the outlet.

“The second challenge our media faces, and I can speak about this openly, is pressure from the President’s Office. They block advertising from various partners and prevent government officials from participating in our events. The President’s Office calls potential advertisers and asks them not to place ads with ‘Ukrainska Pravda’ or attend our events.

For instance, our last event was dedicated to exports, and four participants withdrew on the day of the event. It was very noticeable for us. I see this as a form of economic pressure on the editorial team. I am also aware that offers were made to the owner of ‘Ukrainska Pravda‘ to sell the publication, but he refused. I consider this an attempt to pressure the editorial team,” said the chief editor.

On 9 October, “Ukrainska Pravda” announced ongoing systemic pressure from the President’s Office on the editorial team and journalists. The media outlet claimed that Dmytro Lytvyn, the president’s communications advisor, is blocking speakers from communicating with “Ukrainska Pravda” journalists and participating in interviews and events.

“Ukrainska Pravda” is a Ukrainian online media outlet founded by journalist Georgiy Gongadze in April 2000. After Gongadze’s death, in 2014 Sevgil Musaieva became the chief editor.

The murder of Georgiy Gongadze in the fall of 2000, who openly protested against increasing state censorship, drew international attention to the state of press freedom in Ukraine and sparked protests against former President Leonid Kuchma in 2000-2001.

In July 2016, “Ukrainska Pravda” journalist Pavlo Sheremet was killed in an explosion. As of 2020, those responsible for the killing of Gongadze and Sheremet remain unidentified.