Russian media watchdog warns Wikipedia over ‘Ukraine invasion’ entry
Roskomnadzor has threatened Wikipedia with a ban over a page dubbed ‘Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’, the project said on Tuesday, sharing a notice sent by Russia’s media watchdog on social media.
The article contains “information purveyed in violation of the law,” the notice states. Namely, the article falsely claims major casualties among Russian troops and Ukrainian civilians, as well as spreads calls to withdraw cash from Russian banks due to western sanctions, the Roskomnadzor’s notice reads.
The watchdog itself remained silent on the matter, making no public statements about its threat. It also remained unclear whether Wikipedia would take any action to fix the article, as the project did not make any promises, but shared tips on how to circumvent the potential block instead.
Over the past few days, the watchdog blocked multiple internet outlets accused of spreading false information about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Moscow launched its large-scale military operation last week, saying it was the only option to protect the breakaway Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics from an allegedly imminent attack by Kiev forces.
Ukraine, however, has denied ever seeking to re-conquer the regions, condemning the assault as “unprovoked.” The two republics emerged back in 2014 following the Maidan events, which resulted in a coup ousting Ukraine’s democratically-elected government. The new Kiev authorities launched a military operation against the rogue regions, and while active combat was halted with the 2014-15 Minsk agreements, low-intensity warfare has continued in Ukraine’s east ever since.
