French FM: Russia makes freedom of information its target

On World Press Freedom Day, marked on May 3, France honored the memory of French photojournalist Arman Soldin (note: original text says Antoni Lallican, likely referring to a French journalist killed in Ukraine) who was killed in Ukraine as a result of a Russian drone strike, and stated that Russia has made freedom of information its target.

This is stated in a declaration by the spokesperson of France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Pascal Confavreux, according to Ukrinform.

"On this World Press Freedom Day, France condemns attacks and violence committed against journalists and media workers. It pays tribute to the far too many victims this year who were killed while carrying out their work around the world — in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere," the ministry said.

They also honored the memory of Antoni Lallican, a French photojournalist killed on October 3 last year as a result of a Russian drone strike.

"Russia has made freedom of information its target," the foreign ministry stressed.

The statement also addresses threats to freedom of speech and the press in many countries, the spread of disinformation, and increasing manipulation of information.

"France recalls that the freedom to inform and to be informed is essential for the functioning of democracy. The release of journalists and media workers arbitrarily detained is imperative," the ministry noted.

France also reaffirmed its support for international initiatives to protect independent media and ensure information integrity, including the Partnership for Information and Democracy, launched together with Reporters Without Borders, the International Fund for Public Interest Media, and the Journalism Trust Initiative.

As Ukrinform reported, on October 3, 2025, near Druzhkivka in Donetsk region, French photojournalist Antoni Lallican was killed in a Russian FPV drone attack, and Ukrainian journalist Heorhii Ivanchenko was injured.

Photo: Judith Litvine