Official statements from German and Russian governments or major international news outlets

Germany Closes Russian Channel One Office, Russia Retaliates by Expelling ARD Journalists

Nov 27, 2024, 12:21 PM

Germany has ordered the closure of the office of Russia's Channel One, one of its major television networks, and has instructed two of its journalists, correspondent Ivan Blagoy and cameraman Dmitry Volkov, to leave the country by mid-December. In retaliation, Russia has expelled two journalists from the German broadcaster ARD, stating that the move was in response to Germany's actions against Channel One. Russia's Foreign Ministry has indicated that it might consider accrediting new ARD staff in Moscow, but only after Berlin ensures normal working conditions for Russian journalists. The Russian Foreign Ministry also warned that Berlin's hostile actions would not go unanswered. Channel One's website commented on the situation, saying it represents 'freedom of expression a la Europe,' where one can speak only of what fits the political course adopted in the West.