Russian Foreign Ministry says German media banned from Lavrov's press conference

German media representatives invited to the press conference of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not receive permission from the FRG leadership to attend the meeting. This was reported on December 24 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova on air of the TV channel "Russia 24".

"In one German media, having received an invitation to communicate with the Minister here in such a collective format, said that they needed to consult with the editorial office, that they needed to request Berlin. And then they called and said that they were not allowed," she said.

Zakharova specified that the reason for the refusal was the "Christmas summons."

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman noted that Russian journalists, unlike representatives of Western media, have an agenda related to defending the truth.

Lavrov's press conference with Russian and foreign media will be held on December 26, Zakharova added.

"Russia is ready to use any means to protect its interests"

Interview of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with journalist Tucker Carlson. Key quotes

Earlier, on December 19, Zakharova said that the extent of the decline of Western journalism is unprecedented.

On the same day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the presence of journalists from unfriendly countries at Russian President Vladimir Putin 's press conference, said that Russia should not be likened to those countries that ban the activities of journalists.

Prior to that, on December 18, Peskov noted that Russia and its president are the objects of increased interest of the world media, so the Russian Federation needs to use it to convey the truth and the country's position.