The Telegraph website has been blocked by Russia for reporting on Ukraine
The Telegraph's website has been blocked by Russia due to its reports on the invasion of Ukraine. The newspaper reported that it had been accused of "disseminating false information regarding a military operation in Ukraine by Russian forces".
Telegraph.co.uk was blocked by the Russian internet censor Roskomnadzor for a report on the deployment of mobile crematoriums that could burn the bodies of soldiers killed on the battlefield, according to Russian government data. UK defense secretary Ben Wallace told the newspaper that the system could be used by the Kremlin to conceal any future military losses.
This article appeared in The Telegraph on 23 February, the day before Vladimir Putin launched a significant attack on Ukraine, in which he attempted to capture the capital, Kiev. Online data from Roskomnadzor indicated that the Telegraph website ban was approved in April. The ban was only implemented and made public in June. There has been intense controversy in Russia regarding combat losses since the military campaign has experienced setbacks in Ukraine.
For its coverage of the war, the Telegraph was the first British newspaper to have its website blocked in Russia. A number of international media outlets, including the BBC, have also been blocked for their coverage of the war in Russia. The company stated that The Telegraph is proud of its coverage of the invasion of Ukraine and regrets Russian attempts to restrict the freedom of the press. Earlier this week, Russia banned 29 members of the British media from entering the country.
Most local independent media outlets have been banned by Russia for criticizing the war. The independent TV Rain ceased operations in March after being blocked by government authorities, and the daily newspaper Novaya Gazeta suspended operations following government warnings. Likewise, the Echo of Moscow, a popular radio station that was part of the media empire of state-run energy giant Gazprom, was closed in March for broadcasting reports and opinions critical of Russia's war in Ukraine.