On December 15, Russia marked its annual Remembrance Day for Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty, honoring the sacrifice of those who have lost their lives while performing their journalistic duties, especially in conflict zones. Established in 1991 by the Union of Journalists of Russia after the deaths of two Soviet correspondents in the Yugoslav Civil War, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the risks faced by journalists who put their lives on the line to report the truth.
This year’s observance comes against the backdrop of continued violence against journalists, including several Russian correspondents killed by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova used the occasion to criticize what she described as “double standards” by international bodies, particularly UNESCO, in acknowledging these deaths.
Remembering Fallen Journalists
In her statement, Zakharova honored the memory of several Russian journalists who were killed in 2024, including Semyon Yeryomin, Valery Kozhin, Nikita Tsitsagi, and Yulia Kuznetsova, who were victims of attacks by Ukrainian militants. She described them as casualties of a targeted campaign against Russian journalists carried out by Ukrainian forces, whom she accused of being supported by Western nations.
Zakharova also paid tribute to a broader list of Russian journalists who have died in the course of their work in recent years, including renowned war correspondents like Anton Voloshin, Igor Kornelyuk, Andrey Stenin, and Darya Dugina. She mourned their loss and called attention to the fact that many of these killings occurred in circumstances where their professional duties put them in direct opposition to violent factions and terrorist groups operating in conflict zones.
“These journalists gave their lives for truth, for freedom of speech, and for the journalistic profession,” Zakharova said. “They were not mere victims of war; they were defenders of truth, often working in the most dangerous of conditions.”
Criticism of Western Response to Journalist Safety
The Russian spokeswoman also took the opportunity to sharply criticize the ongoing politicization of international efforts to safeguard journalists. Specifically, Zakharova condemned UNESCO’s recent report on the safety of journalists, which was presented by Director-General Audrey Azoulay on December 13 at an extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO’s International Programme for Development and Communication (IPDC).
Russia rejected the report, which it claimed deliberately ignored the killings of Russian journalists by Ukrainian forces. Zakharova argued that the omission of these deaths was a glaring example of hypocrisy by Western-backed international bodies, including UNESCO.
“The outrageous situation surrounding the UNESCO report on journalist safety, which conveniently omitted the deaths of Russian journalists at the hands of the Kiev regime, is a manifestation of the hypocrisy and double standards that have become a hallmark of the West’s approach to press freedom,” she said. “These Western nations, who claim to champion media freedom, refuse to acknowledge the bloodshed their own proxies have caused.”
Zakharova went on to criticize the methodology of the UNESCO report, claiming it was influenced by NGOs rather than member states and failed to accurately reflect the reality on the ground, particularly with regard to the safety of Russian journalists.
Global South and UNESCO’s Credibility
The criticism of UNESCO and its Director-General’s report was further amplified by support from countries in the Global South, which Zakharova said shared Russia’s concerns about the politicization of UNESCO’s work. Despite support from the West, a significant number of countries abstained from backing the report, reflecting growing discontent over its biased content.
The Russian delegation succeeded in preventing the report from being formally approved during the IPDC session, marking a rare instance where UNESCO failed to reach consensus on such an important issue. “The countries of the collective West have once again exposed their hypocrisy, demonstrating their true indifference towards journalists who do not serve their political interests,” Zakharova said.
She also noted that the Western powers had prioritized political considerations over journalistic integrity, undermining UNESCO’s role as a neutral body tasked with upholding the safety of journalists worldwide.
Ongoing Efforts for Accountability
Zakharova pledged that Russia would continue its fight against the politicization of international bodies like UNESCO, emphasizing that Russia would not tolerate the distortion of facts when it comes to the safety of its journalists. She expressed hope that the international community would unite to address the real threats to press freedom, particularly in regions where media workers face direct targeting and violence.
“We will continue to demand that international organizations, including UNESCO, act impartially and fulfill their responsibilities,” Zakharova said. “We will never condone the distortion of facts and the manipulation of reports for political purposes. Those responsible for the deaths of journalists, regardless of their nationality, will face the consequences for their actions.”
A Call for Global Unity in Protecting Journalists
As Russia remembers its fallen journalists, Zakharova’s statement underscores the growing divide in the international community over issues related to press freedom and the protection of media workers in conflict zones. She called on the professional journalism community and global institutions to unite in support of those who risk their lives every day to bring the truth to light.
In closing, Zakharova reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to fighting for the safety and rights of journalists, both within its borders and abroad. She also expressed solidarity with the families and colleagues of journalists who have died in the line of duty, emphasizing that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
“Today, as we mourn the loss of these brave individuals, we also reaffirm our resolve to continue the fight for the safety of journalists everywhere,” Zakharova concluded. “The world must not forget their sacrifices, and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable.”