Zelensky's office accused of pressuring independent media

The independent portal Ukrainska Pravda reported that the editorial team is facing "ongoing and systematic pressure" from the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Businesses supporting the service have also encountered problems.

According to the editorial team, government officials are prohibited from talking with Ukrainska Pravda journalists. There is also pressure on businesses to terminate advertising cooperation with Ukrainska Pravda.

During an August press conference, attention was also drawn to the "openly emotional conversation" between President Zelensky and journalist Roman Krawets.

"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 that has been operating since 2000. The service's journalists have been subjected to 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.