Why being declared a “foreign agent” by Russia isn’t all that bad

As Russia escalates its aggression in Ukraine, the Kremlin is continuing to silence journalists who fail to spread propaganda

Ekaterina Shengeliya’s father, a well respected journalist currently covering the war in Ukraine, has been declared a foreign agent by the Kremlin.

But as frightening as the news sounds, the family is proud of the new declaration.

Speaking exclusively with Ticker News, Ekaterina Shengeliya says “it is an honour” to be declared this by Russia, as it means “as a journalist…you’re telling the truth” – something Shengeliya says isn’t liked by the Kremlin, which pushes false agendas via the media.

Russia has been vocal about the way it wants its media to report on the Ukraine Invasion.

During the initial weeks of the war, the Kremlin introduced a new law which banned protests about Ukraine, and referring to the war as an “invasion” – rather – the Kremlin says it is a “special military operation” and must be referred to as that.

Some journalists living within Russia have been brave enough to take a stance against the government

News producer for Russia’s Channel One News, Marina Ovsyannikova was fined last month following a political stunt she made on live television, protesting against the war in Ukraine.

Ovsyannikova, an editor at the state-controlled broadcaster, was detained after she ran on to the set holding a sign saying “no war”.

The news producer stated that she had been questioned for 14 hours straight and had not slept for two days.

She also claimed that she was not given any access to legal support.

Ovsyannikova was fined 30,000 rouble, which is approximately $280 USD. Authorities say the fine was as a result of her anti-war video message, which has gone viral around the world.

The journalist has been a voice for those suffering in Ukraine, on Monday stating that she felt ashamed to be working in a job that required her to lie about what’s really happening in Ukraine.