Ivan Bakanov: Sanctions against some TV channels are progressive steps in combating Russian hybrid warfare
The SBU Head Ivan Bakanov called the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions against TV channels 112, NewsOne and ZIK a coherent action by the Ukrainian authorities to counteract Russian hybrid aggression against Ukraine. According to the SBU Head, the Verkhovna Rada and the Security Service of Ukraine were at the forefront of imposing the sanctions.
“Russia is waging a hybrid war against Ukraine, in particular, in the information field. We should systematically combat Russian aggression to protect the interests of Ukraine. Imposing sanctions is another significant and sustained step in this regard. Therefore, taking into account the SBU materials along with numerous violations of Law of Ukraine “On Television and Radio Broadcasting” recorded by the National Broadcasting Council of Ukraine, the SBU provided valid recommendations to the National Security and Defense Council to make a relevant decision, “Ivan Bakanov said.
The SBU Head emphasized that the decision of the National Security and Defense Council is aimed at protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Furthermore, the decision has no connection with restrictions on freedom of speech.
“There is a big difference between freedom of speech and blatant Ukrainian rhetoric. Freedom of speech ends where there are signs of encroachment on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, “Ivan Bakanov summarized.
We remind, on February 2 the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on imposing sanctions on physical and legal entities. The decision, in particular, includes the proposals on sanctions made by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on October 4, 2018.
Personal special economic and other restrictions will be applied, in particular, to the citizen of Ukraine Taras Kozak, legal entities ARIADNA TV LLC, NOVYI FORMAT TV LLC, TV Vybir LLC, LLC BC 112-TV, Lider TV LLC, PARTNER TV LLC, Novyny 24 hodyny LLC, Novi Komunikatsii LLC.