European Journalists Back Russia’s Expulsion from the International Federation

Russia’s Journalists’ Union Kicked Out of the International Federation of Journalists

According to Главком: On May 7, 2026, in Paris, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expelled the Union of Journalists of Russia. The European Federation of Journalists endorsed this move, which followed a recommendation from the Appeals Committee and faced no objections. The expulsion stemmed from the Russian union’s long-standing collaboration with the aggressor state and its activities in occupied territories.

In 2018, the Union of Journalists of Russia secured voting rights at the Congress of the European Federation of Journalists after pledging to settle a debt of 11,500 euros. However, it later failed to meet its financial obligations and never paid the amount. Its membership had already been suspended in 2023, marking the first step toward the eventual expulsion.

Reactions from the International Journalistic Community

Ricardo Gutiérrez, a representative of the international journalistic community, commented on the decision, stating that 'the international journalistic community cannot accept organizations that put themselves at the service of an aggressor, opening branches in illegally annexed territories.'

Gutiérrez also emphasized that such collaboration 'constitutes complicity in a gross violation of international law,' as professional ethics require journalists not to act as state agents or serve illegal occupation authorities.

He further added that 'the international journalistic community has shown impressive solidarity in condemning the Union of Journalists of Russia’s cooperation with the aggressor state.' The decision was made 'without hesitation or questions.' He also recalled that 'the Union of Journalists of Russia used its voting rights but never paid its debt. It ignored our repeated requests. When you behave like that, you shouldn’t be surprised that the international journalistic community isolates you.'

Thus, the expulsion of the Union of Journalists of Russia from the International Federation of Journalists marks the end of a prolonged conflict, underscoring the importance of upholding professional ethics in journalism and solidarity in the face of aggression. The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine has called for increased support for Ukrainian media workers in frontline areas, highlighting the relevance of this issue for the international community.

As the international community reacts to the expulsion of the Union of Journalists of Russia, it is important to consider the broader implications of the ongoing conflict on media freedom. Since the beginning of the invasion, the toll on journalists has been devastating, with numerous media workers losing their lives while many others remain unaccounted for. To understand the current situation of those still in captivity and the risks they face, read more about the tragic statistics surrounding journalists in the conflict since the invasion started.