And the government statement said: “The Federal Government Council decided not to implement the European Union’s measure to suspend broadcasting of Russian media, primarily RT and Sputnik.”
The European Union announced earlier the blocking of RT and Sputnik channels in Europe, claiming to “reduce the influence of Russian propaganda on the public opinion of its people”, while restricting citizens’ access to these channels.
Voices rose in the European Union through all media, such as “Facebook”, “Twitter”, “Instagram”, and others, rejecting this procedure, considering it contrary to the principles of freedom.
Tensions around the Russian media in Western countries have increased significantly in recent years. In November 2016, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the need to confront the Russian media, especially RT and Sputnik.
A number of Western politicians, including members of the US Congress and French President Emmanuel Macron, accused the Russian channel and agency of “interfering in the US and French elections”, without providing any evidence to support the allegations.