Union of Journalists of Russia Ousted from Global Body
The 32nd Congress of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), held in Paris from May 4 to 7, 2026, voted to permanently expel the Union of Journalists of Russia. The decision was confirmed by the IFJ Appeals Commission, which handles disputes according to the federation's statutes. The Russian organization's membership had been suspended in 2023 by the executive committee.
International Stance Takes Shape
This congress, marking the IFJ's centenary, served as a pivotal moment for the global community to define its position on journalistic practices inside Russia. Leading European journalist unions backed the expulsion.
“The Union of Journalists of Russia has been expelled from the International Federation of Journalists by a decision of the organization’s Congress.” - Serhiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine
Notably, back in February 2022, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine called on the world to distance itself from Russian propaganda structures. In October 2022, Ukraine filed a formal protest over the Union of Journalists of Russia establishing branches in the occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. It was not until February 2023 that the IFJ executive committee froze Russia's membership.
Against this backdrop, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine stressed that “what they call journalism in Russia is an industry of hate that serves the war.” They also urged international partners to bolster safety, armor protection, and evacuation programs for Ukrainian journalists risking their lives daily on the front line, stating: “The world has no right to remain silent when journalists are being killed by drones.”
Therefore, the expulsion of the Union of Journalists of Russia at the 32nd IFJ Congress in Paris marks a significant step in the fight for press freedom and journalist protection under current conditions.
This move reflects growing international concern over press freedom and journalistic integrity amid aggression and disinformation emanating from Russia. The decision to oust the Russian union may serve as a warning to other organizations and countries about the need to support independent media and protect journalists working in dangerous environments, particularly in Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict has had severe repercussions for journalists in Russia, with rising casualties among media professionals. As highlighted in a recent report, 149 media workers have lost their lives since the start of the invasion, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and support for those risking their lives to report the truth.