Camilla Jessen
Russian state media censors Trump’s criticism of Putin.
Russian state media have removed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of President Vladimir Putin from their news reports, instead focusing on Trump’s remarks about Ukraine, according to a report from independent outlet Agenstvo on April 28.
Between April 27 and 28, major Russian broadcasters like Russia-1 and Channel One cut Trump’s comments urging Putin to “stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal.”
Instead, they highlighted Trump’s claims that Ukraine continues to ask for U.S. military aid but may be ready to give up its claim to Crimea.
Russia-1 aired footage of Trump saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “has become calmer” and seems more willing to negotiate. Channel One showed similar comments, quoting Trump as saying he thinks Ukraine is prepared to give up Crimea.
State-run news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti also left out Trump’s direct criticism of Putin.
They did not report Trump’s appeal after a Russian missile strike on Kyiv on April 24 that killed 12 civilians and injured 90 others, when Trump said: “VLADIMIR, STOP!”
Instead, TASS and RIA Novosti focused on Trump’s comments about Zelenskyy appearing more flexible.
Pro-Kremlin news sites such as Gazeta.ru, Moskovsky Komsomolets, Lenta.ru, and Komsomolskaya Pravda also selectively quoted Trump, leaving out his criticisms of Putin.
Trump’s remarks came after he spoke with Zelenskyy on April 27 ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis. After their meeting, Trump criticized Russia’s continued attacks on civilian areas and questioned whether Putin was serious about ending the war.