Russia Bans 81 European Media Outlets

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Facts

Russia banned 81 media outlets from the 27 EU-member nations Tuesday in response to broadcast restrictions imposed by the EU on four Russian official media outlets in May for allegedly publishing disinformation on the Ukraine war.¹
Kremlin-operated RIA Novosti had its broadcasting privileges suspended last month; newspapers Izvestia and Rossiiskaya Gazeta and news website Voice of Europe were also suspended.²
Russia's foreign ministry has restricted access to many newspapers, broadcasters, and magazines from all but two EU member states. This means that outlets like Politico and EU Observer are no longer accessible within Russian borders.³
According to a statement from the Kremlin, Russia has frequently warned the EU that it will respond in kind to what it believes to be politically motivated harassment and unlawful media restrictions. Because Russia felt the EU chose to escalate, it was forced to take 'proportional countermeasures.'⁴
The European Commission criticized the Russian ban, calling it nonsensical in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The Kremlin said it would reconsider its decision if the EU did so in kind.⁵

Anti-Russia narrative, as provided by RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. This is yet another example of Russia's constant attack on the free press in an effort to keep the truth from its people —including how the government is treating its citizens and what's happening during the illegal occupation of Ukraine. This isn't surprising, but it's another reason Russia must be treated as a despotic nation.
Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. Moscow is the victim here. Russia has repeatedly warned the EU about its politically motivated harassment of its journalists and censuring Russian media in the EU. But instead of heeding the warnings, Brussels chose to escalate the situation. When the EU lifts its ban on Russian media, the Kremlin will lift its ban in kind.