Moscow: President Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian Defense Ministry to facilitate foreign journalists’ access, including Ukrainian media, to areas near Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), Dimitrov, and Kupyansk, where Ukrainian forces are encircled. This directive aims to ensure transparent reporting from these conflict zones, as announced by the ministry.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has confirmed receipt of the order from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. This order mandates the ministry to coordinate with the Ukrainian Armed Forces to allow unhindered access for foreign journalists to the specified areas. The ministry’s statement underscores the importance of cooperation between the involved military forces to facilitate this media access.
In a move to support the safety and logistical needs of journalists, the Russian Armed Forces command has expressed its readiness to suspend hostilities for a period of five to six hours. This suspension aims to create safe corridors for foreign media representatives, including those from Ukraine, to enter and exit the encircled areas. The ministry emphasized the necessity of security guarantees to ensure the safety of both the journalists and Russian servicemen during this process.