Putin claims West targets journalists ahead of Mongolia trip

In an interview with the Mongolian newspaper Onoodor, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of persecuting Russian journalists just before his visit to Mongolia. His comments come amid a backdrop of increasing restrictions on media freedom in Russia, where independent journalism has faced severe crackdowns, resulting in the imprisonment of numerous journalists. Analysts have pointed out that Putin's remarks highlight the lack of an independent press in Russia, particularly regarding coverage of the war in Ukraine. Putin's statements follow years of harsh laws and actions against independent media, which have made it nearly impossible for journalists to operate freely. The situation has been exacerbated by transnational repression, where Russian journalists in exile face harassment from Moscow. Despite the Kremlin's claims of protecting journalists' rights, many experts view these assertions as insincere, especially in light of recent incidents involving the arrest of accredited foreign journalists. The context of Putin's visit is significant, as it coincides with an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. This has raised concerns among Ukraine and the European Union regarding Mongolia's decision not to act on the warrant during Putin's arrival. The lack of action from Mongolia, a member of the ICC, has drawn criticism and highlights the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations. Overall, Putin's accusations against the West serve to deflect attention from the ongoing issues of media repression in Russia, while his visit to Mongolia raises questions about international accountability and the treatment of journalists under authoritarian regimes.