Russia opens case over Rossiya Segodnya journalist killed in Ukrainian drone attack
The Russian Investigative Committee announced that it opened a criminal case regarding the death of Ivan Zuev, a Rossiya Segodnya journalist, and the injury of cameraman Yuri Voitkevich in a drone attack in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. The agency stated that the Ukrainian armed forces carried out the strike. The case was opened under articles on murder and obstruction of journalists’ lawful professional activities. According to TASS, the investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable (TASS).
Intended effect: The article portrays Russian journalists as victims of deliberate attacks by Ukraine, reinforcing the perception that the conflict is fought not only on the front lines, but also in the information sphere. By emphasizing the “objective work” of correspondents and promising to punish “nationalists,” trust in the Russian media is strengthened and Russia’s actions are justified under the slogan of protecting the truth and its citizens.
Naryshkin: Crazy dream of Russia’s strategic defeat and Tomahawk as a threat to peace
At a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security and Special Services of the CIS in Samarkand, Sergey Naryshkin, director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said that the West is trying to destabilize the CIS countries through disinformation, cyberattacks, and economic pressure. He said that Western countries have not abandoned their “crazy dream” of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. Naryshkin also warned that supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would be a hostile move and increase global risks. He emphasized separately that Afghanistan must remain independent and not allow foreign military bases on its territory (TASS).
Intended effect: The material portrays the West as the primary threat to Russia and the CIS countries, thereby justifying Moscow’s tough foreign policy stance. Mentioning Tomahawk missiles creates an image of a growing military threat, while focusing on Afghanistan highlights Russia’s role as a responsible regional player.
RIA Novosti: What’s wrong with RT in the West
In connection with the 20th anniversary of RT, RIA Novosti published an article claiming that the West is trying to limit RT’s influence out of fear of an alternative point of view. According to the author, RT has become a symbol of the “fight against the Western elites’ monopoly on information,” and the numerous bans and blockages in the U.S. and Europe are motivated by a desire to prevent the dissemination of Russian perspectives. The article highlights RT’s “successes” in international broadcasting, its multilingual availability, and its popularity in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The article suggests that thanks to RT, many countries have refused to support Ukraine (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The material portrays RT as both a victim of Western censorship and a successful tool of Russian influence. Its purpose is to convince the audience that Western countries fear the truth and that the information war is part of a broader confrontation with Russia.
Political analyst: EU neglects Armenian government’s persecution of Church
Political analyst Hrant Mikaelian said that the European Union is neglecting the persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Church by the Armenian government. The article mentions the detention of 13 clergymen, including Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, whom the Church considers victims of repression. The Armenian government claims that the case is related to coercion to participate in rallies. According to Mikaelian, the current government views the Church as an obstacle, while the EU benefits from a weakened Church, so it is effectively turning a blind eye to what is happening (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The article portrays the Armenian government as persecuting the Church and paints the EU as a passive observer. It reinforces the narrative of disregard by external forces for the “oppressed” traditional positions of Russia and Armenia.
