The media movement, which includes Ukrainian journalists and media organizations, calls on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to immediately take measures to stop pressure on the media from any government officials, guarantee transparency and openness of government bodies to communication with journalists, and provide the media with unhindered access to information that is important to society.

This is stated in a statement by media workers, published by the Institute of Mass Information, in connection with the information of Ukrainska Pravda about pressure from the authorities.

“Of particular concern is the practice of individual advisers and officials allowing themselves to interfere with the activities of journalists by imposing unofficial restrictions on officials' communication with the media, blocking access to events for certain blacklisted independent media outlets, and creating other obstacles to the functioning of independent resources,” the statement says.

The media movement states that conflicts with independent media harm not only the reputation of government agencies, but also the country as a whole.

“The media is not an enemy of the state - it is a partner in the fight for freedom and democratic values,” the statement reads.

As reported, Ukrainska Pravda (UP), one of the leading Ukrainian online media, announced the long-term and systemic pressure that the President's Office is exerting on the editorial staff and individual journalists of the publication.

The publication regards the blocking of government speakers regarding communication with Ukrainska Pravda journalists and participation in events, pressure on businesses to stop advertising cooperation, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's emotional response to a Ukrainska Pravda journalist's question at the last press conference as a threat to the stable work of the editorial board.

“These and other non-public signals indicate attempts to influence our editorial policy,” UP believes.