Russia accuses UK Defence Journal of ‘anti-Russian hysteria’

In a new escalation, the Russian Embassy in the UK has publicly accused several British media outlets, including the UK Defence Journal, of promoting “anti-Russian hysteria” due to reporting on the war in Ukraine.

The attack, posted on the Embassy’s official Twitter account, singled out George Allison, editor of the UK Defence Journal, amongst others, as part of a campaign driven by “right-wing conservative forces” in Britain.

The Embassy’s statement read:

“The Embassy has taken note of efforts by certain UK right-wing conservative forces to persist in fuelling anti-Russian hysteria in sponsored media outlets. The reason for this delusional ‘episode’ is a combination of bad news for the Kiev regime.”

This comes at a time of heightened tension between the UK and Russia, with both nations locked in a diplomatic standoff over the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin’s direct accusation against Allison is particularly notable given his work covering Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russian aggression, especially after his time spent onboard the Ukrainian warship Chernihiv in Glasgow.

Allison, responding to the accusations, said: “It’s somewhat ironic that they’ve painted me as part of some right-wing conservative plot when I’m probably more centre-left,” adding, “But I guess if I’m upsetting the Kremlin, I must be doing something right.”

The Kremlin’s accusations follow his recent work, including his coverage of Ukrainian resilience during the conflict, where he spent time aboard Chernihiv, a former Royal Navy vessel now serving in the Ukrainian Navy. Allison’s report detailed the ship’s crew, many of whom had trained with the Royal Navy, and their preparations for future NATO exercises.

During his time aboard Chernihiv, Allison wrote about the sailors’ mission to reclaim control of the Black Sea and de-mine the region, a strategic focal point in the ongoing conflict. “When the war is over, we’ll make sure the Black Sea is safe again,” one sailor told him, reflecting Ukraine’s broader goals of sovereignty and security.

Allison’s coverage also focused on the Ukrainian refugees in Glasgow, who remain determined to rebuild their lives and return to a free Ukraine. His reporting on both refugees and soldiers has drawn attention to the united resolve of Ukrainians in the face of Russian aggression, which likely contributed to Moscow’s decision to target him in their latest broadside against British media.

Russia’s History of Targeting Journalists

This accusation is part of a broader pattern of Russian hostility towards journalists, particularly those reporting on the war in Ukraine. Russia has been accused of deliberately targeting journalists on the ground, with several incidents of attacks on locations known to be frequented by international media.

An airstrike in August 2023 hit a hotel and restaurant in Pokrovsk, a popular spot for international journalists, raising further accusations that the Kremlin is deliberately targeting the press to control the narrative.

Russia’s long-standing crackdown on independent media within its own borders has seen dissenting voices silenced and numerous journalists face violence or suspicious deaths. International watchdog Reporters Without Borders has filed multiple war crimes complaints against Russia with the International Criminal Court, detailing over 100 incidents involving journalists and media infrastructure.

“For the Russians, the press is the enemy. They do not want their crimes to be recorded and known to the whole world,” said Oksana Romanyuk, executive director of the Kyiv-based Mass Media Institute.

The Kremlin’s attack on Allison and other British journalists is seen as part of its wider disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting media outlets that report critically on its military actions.

Russia’s efforts to suppress free speech have intensified following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with international media becoming a key target in its attempt to shape global opinion.

As tensions between Russia and the UK continue to escalate, the Kremlin’s targeting of journalists reflects its broader strategy of controlling narratives, both within Russia and beyond its borders.

The UK, meanwhile, remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, with British journalists continuing to report on the realities of the war despite increasing threats and accusations from Moscow.