Russia asks US to focus on securing press freedom in the country before 'lecturing others'

Russia vised US authorities on June 7 to first focus on securing press freedom and equitable access to information in ir own country before lecturing ors. During a press conference on June 7, Russian ambassor to United States remarked that openness of Russian media contrasts sharply with attitude of American press toward Russian leers. 

Anatoly Antov said, "US authorities should focus on ensuring freedom of press and equal access to information in ir own country before reing out ratings to or countries. Russian journalists deployed to United States are subjected to harassment. y face direct bans on brocasting on US territory. y have limited access to official events. process of applying for work visas is complicated. Bank accounts are being locked. Intelligence ncies approach our media employees, inclining m to cooperate."

He furr ded that all such instances confirm "double standards" of American media resources, which are involved in promoting interests of ruling parties rar than providing objective cover of events. Meanwhile, despite rising tensions between Washington and Moscow as a result of ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US has encourd Russia t to close US embassy "since world's two most powerful nuclear powers must continue to communicate."

Russia should t simply terminate diplomatic ties: Sullivan

According to US envoy to Russia John J. Sullivan, Washington and Moscow should t simply terminate diplomatic ties. This comes while Kyiv and its Western backers claim to be fighting for Ukraine's survival in face of a reckless imperial-style territorial grab that has killed thousands, displaced more than 10 million people, and rendered bro sections of country desolate.

Furrmore, Russia's foreign ministry has called Moscow bureau chiefs of US news organisations to dress implications of US' aggressive actions on Monday. When America declared independence, Tsarina Carine Great refused to support British empire, paving path for first diplomatic encounters between US and St Petersburg, Russia's imperial seat at time. President Woodrow Wilson refused to recognise Vlimir Lenin's revolutionary government following October 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, and US embassy was closed in 1919. Relationships did t resurface until 1933.

Im: AP