The Union of Journalists of Russia was officially deprived of its membership in the International Federation of Journalists
The Union of Journalists of Russia has officially lost its membership in the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The decision was made at the 32nd IFJ Congress, which is taking place in Paris from May 4 to 7, 2026 and is dedicated to the federation’s centenary. This step was the final stage of the process that began after the start of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
The decision is based on the recommendation of the Appeals Commission, which considers controversial issues in accordance with the organization’s statutes. Until now, the membership of the Russian structure has remained effectively “frozen” since 2023.
The main reason for the exclusion was the activities of the Russian organization in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, in particular the creation of its own branches in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions.
“The Appeals Commission recommended the expulsion, the Congress approved this decision. The Union of Journalists of Russia is no longer a member of the IFJ,” noted Honorary Treasurer and former IFJ President Jim Bumela.
According to representatives of the federation, the Russian side did not exercise its right to a full-fledged appeal. Despite the opportunity to present its position directly at the Congress, delegates from Russia did not arrive in Paris. The letter sent on the eve of the event contained only general explanations and was not designed as an appeal on the merits.
“The Commission had no other choice,” Jim Bumela added, emphasizing that the decision was made exclusively within the framework of the statutory rules.
The process of depriving membership was initiated with the active participation of representatives of the Ukrainian media community. Back in October 2022, an official protest was sent to the governing bodies of the IFJ, which emphasized the gross violation of international law and interference in the activities of legitimate journalistic organizations on the territory of Ukraine.
The final exclusion of the Russian union from the ranks of the world’s largest professional organization of journalists indicates the further strengthening of the international isolation of Russian state institutions. The position of the Congress confirmed the federation’s commitment to the principles of territorial integrity and professional ethics.
