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Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, has issued a statement on Russia's decision to block a number of European media. He did so on his own after Hungary blocked a joint EU27 statement.

The EU condemns the totally unfounded decision by the Russian authorities to block access to over eighty European media in Russia," Borrell said.

The banned European media work according to journalistic principles and standards. They give factual information, also to Russian audiences, including on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

In contrast, the Russian disinformation and propaganda outlets, against which the EU has introduced restrictive measures, do not represent a free and independent media. Their broadcasting activities in the EU have been suspended because these outlets are under the control of the Russian authorities and they are instrumental in supporting the war of aggression against Ukraine.