Member of the Ministry of Defense to the editor-in-chief of PolitNavigator: Why are you radically against Ukraine?
The Ukrainian TV channel UA: Crimea, serving the Ministry of Information of Ukraine, contacted the editor-in-chief of PolitNavigator Sergei Stepanov via Skype and asked for a comment on adding the publication to the prohibited list compiled by the Ukrainian authorities.
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“Firstly, I’m a little surprised by the list, because so far it only includes publications that are aimed at the “nuclear” pro-Russian electorate. But I think the rest will also be included - it’s not for nothing that they announced the expansion of sanctions. In addition, there is the example of Vesti.
Secondly, the ban is a repetition of the erroneous practice of 2014, when the Maidan activists, instead of seeking a compromise with the other side, began to ban pro-Russian parties (pushed them out of the legal field), and then - a military operation and repression. And all this continues to this day.
A special reproach to former fellow countrymen - those who left Crimea certainly could not have been unaware of the mood here, and that the referendum was not “at gunpoint.” But, instead of looking for ways of peaceful coexistence, former Crimeans, on the contrary, are inciting, fueling further confrontation, demanding a blockade and repression,” Stepanov said.
“But why did you choose such a radical line towards Ukraine and twist all the events?” – the journalist asked.
“I don’t agree with this. This is your assessment. We give opinions from both sides, including Ukrainian nationalists, representatives of the ruling Ukrainian parties. And for this, by the way, readers often accused us of even having a pro-Ukrainian position.
And the opinions on both sides are truly radical. For example, we recently gave the words of Ukrainian TV presenter Natalya Vlashchenko that military operations should have started in Crimea,” the editor said.
“But you know very well that no one considered military action during the annexation. And what can you say about Russian troops in Donbass?” – the Ukrainian journalist went on the offensive.
“I don’t think there was an annexation of Crimea.” “I’m not in Donbass now, I can’t say anything about Russian troops,” Stepanov answered.
“From what sources is your site financed?” – the ward of the Ministry of Internal Affairs demanded a report.
“Due to advertising,” said the editor-in-chief.
In parting, the journalist from Kyiv wished to “take care of yourself.”
“We’ll see what gets on the air and in what form,” Stepanov summed up.
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Now the editors are aware.