Russia has announced that it is restricting access to the websites of 15 European media outlets, in what officials describe as a retaliatory measure following the European Union’s earlier ban on several Russian state-linked news agencies.

In a statement released on June 30, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the targeted European outlets—whose names have not yet been made public—were accused of spreading “false and distorted information” about Russia. The move comes months after the European Union, as part of its 16th package of sanctions in February 2025, suspended broadcasting licenses for eight Russian media organizations, including Lenta.ru, Eurasia Daily, and NewsFront.

The Russian government says the EU’s decision to ban its media outlets was politically motivated and amounted to censorship. In response, Russia stated that the latest restrictions are a reciprocal action meant to defend what it called its “informational sovereignty.” The ministry added that responsibility for the escalation rests with Brussels and its member states.

“If the EU decides to lift its restrictions on Russian media, the Russian side will be prepared to reconsider its countermeasures,” the ministry said in a written statement, according to Anadolu Agency and state news outlet TASS.

The tit-for-tat ban shows the growing tensions between Moscow and the European Union, particularly over media narratives surrounding the war in Ukraine, sanctions policy, and influence campaigns. While Russia claims its decision is aimed at protecting national interests, press freedom advocates warn that the cycle of media bans on both sides continues to limit the public’s access to independent or alternative sources of information.

By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com