The Ukrainian delegation called on UN member states to clearly distinguish between journalistic activity and propaganda, which is actively used by Russia during the war against Ukraine. This statement was made during the debate on information issues in the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly by the First Secretary of the Mission of Ukraine Dmytro Tymoshenko.
‘Russia’s use of hybrid information warfare and disinformation tactics fuels its aggressive war against Ukraine. Propaganda and disinformation have become key tools of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, specifically designed to justify the criminal actions of the Russian armed forces and dehumanise Ukrainians,’ the statement said.
Tymoshenko stressed that a global fight against fake news is essential. He added that Russia systematically detains Ukrainian journalists, torturing and even killing them.
The diplomat cited the example of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who was detained and killed under unclear circumstances, calling on UN representatives to condemn her death and attacks on Ukrainian media.
‘Disinformation and war propaganda, as well as those involved in these activities, must be clearly distinguished from professional journalism and journalists,’ Tymoshenko said.
He added that Russian ‘journalists’ are actively sowing hatred towards Ukrainians, justifying war crimes and violations of the UN Charter, glorifying the aggressive actions of the occupying army.
On 10 October, it became known that journalist Viktoria Roshchyna had died, but the details of her death remain unknown. According to Ukrainian intelligence, she was supposed to be included in one of the prisoner exchanges, but Russian forces held her in one of the harshest prisons and she was to be transferred to Lefortovo in Moscow to prepare for her return to Ukraine.
