DISINFO: Debates on Russian TV are free unlike in France
SUMMARY
Although Russia is always accused of being authoritarian and crushing opponents, debate in media is much freer. In the “Poedinok” (“The Duel”) talkshow different opinions are debated and even though the anchor is known to be pro-Putin, he still invites people with different views to the show and is extremely polite to them. For example, Ukrainian fanatics were invited to the show, saying Russians are barbarians. In France everything is controlled. People who are against the European Union are not invited to TV shows and that is a very bad sign for the regime. We can hardly speak of pluralism in France.
RESPONSE
Regarding freedom of speech, Russia is ranked 148th and France 33rd by Reporters without borders. Freedom House agrees stating the press in Russia is not free, unlike the French press. Ukrainians have indeed participated in the "Poedinok" show. Their treatment by the host was not polite and respectful. An example from the show from October 29, 2018: one of the Ukrainian guests is asked: “What is the name of the station in Kiev, from which trains go to Moscow?” - “Central station.” - “It is not closed yet?” - “No.” - “So you have a way out!” (Laughter, applause.) Presenter: “I want to remind you that the Crimea was annexed by Russia completely legally. Who was the president of Ukraine then? Yanukovych! But he did not express any objections.” Ukrainian guest: “My grandfather died at the front!” Presenter: “Yes, your grandfather would have risen from the grave and would have driven you to his grave with his tibial bone!” The presenter is literally yelling: "Germans don't try to whitewash their criminals. They don't make them national heroes (like Ukraine)." The situation in Russian media is also described in this article. See more on general narrative of the Russian media on "nazis ruling in Ukraine".