The Council of Federation commented on the EP resolution against the Russian media

The European Union's (EU) restrictions on Russian media are unfair and short-sighted. The West is creating blockade conditions for Russian journalism, while it is Western media that are engaged in propaganda and distortion of information. This was stated by Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, in a conversation with Izvestia on January 23.

Earlier in the day, members of the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution condemning Russia's alleged distortion of facts in support of the special operation in Ukraine. The parliamentarians called onEU states to"better coordinate efforts to firmly counter Russian disinformation."

"From beginning to end, all this information shows only that it is Western media, Western agencies that are engaged in the disreputable business of distorting information, disinformation, propaganda. And at the same time they prevent in every possible way everything that is explained by our journalists, our politicians from penetrating into the Western information environment. This is unfair, extremely dangerous and counterproductive," Karasin commented.

He added that accusations from Western politicians and officials against Russia are absolute nonsense, as Russia is currently in an information blockade. The publication's interlocutor shared that some representatives of European countries during meetings with Russian politicians and officials are amazed when they hear their arguments and wonder why they do not say them in the West.

"And we answer: "We say it, but it doesn't get to you." It's not good, it's not good to do business that way, because it's going to escalate the conflict. That's it. And this is far from the most favorable role of the media and journalists," the politician summarized.

Karasin also stressed that the Western media are completely monopolized and set up to oppose everything that comes from the Russian Federation.

Earlier, on January 13, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russian journalists are entrusted with the most important mission of countering lies and disinformation, which Russia's opponents use as an information weapon against its people.

Before that, at the end of December 2024, the Telegram channels of Izvestiya and a number of other Russian media outlets were blocked in a number of European countries. The Foreign Ministry promised that such actions would not go unanswered.

In recent years, Russian media have often been subjected to various restrictions in Western countries, including the EU. Thus, in late June, Brussels approved a ban on access to Izvestiya, as well as RIA Novosti, Rossiyskaya Gazeta and Voice of Europe.