Editor of leading independent Russian news website fired over Ukraine coverage

Published January 08, 2015

The owner of the leading independent Russian news website Lenta.ru has fired its chief editor following official complaints over the outlet's coverage of Ukraine.

Lenta.ru says Alexander Mamut, who also owns several other media outlets, dismissed Galina Timchenko on Wednesday. She will be replaced by the former editor of a staunchly pro-Kremlin website.

The Lenta.ru editorial team said in a statement that Timchenko's removal marked a further decline of media freedom in Russia.

The website had received a warning from a state media watchdog over an interview with a prominent radical Ukrainian nationalist who had engaged in the anti-government protests that sent Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fleeing to Russia last month.

Russian state media have assailed Ukraine's new authorities following the Kremlin's line, while Lenta.ru has offered an unbiased view.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/world/editor-of-leading-independent-russian-news-website-fired-over-ukraine-coverage