Ukrainian ambassador blasts Four Corners episode

The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has demanded a meeting with ABC management following last night’s Four Corners episode.

“Ukraine’s War: The Other Side” was a documentary by British filmmaker Sean Langan ofering a “human perspective on life on the Russian frontline.”

Myroshnychenko said the program “unquestioningly repeated and aired countless blatant lies, historical distortions, racist claims and propaganda narratives emanating from the Kremlin” and therefore “completely served the interests of Russia’s dictator, Putin”.

“It also minimised and denigrated the deaths of thousands of innocent Ukrainian men, women and children who have been killed by Russian soldiers in an illegal and brutal invasion strongly condemned by Australia and the majority of countries through the UNGA resolution in March 2022.

“The Australian Broadcasting Corporation should be ashamed that it put such total garbage to air,” he said.

“Through the Minister for Communications, I will ask for a meeting with the Managing Director of the ABC and the Executive Producer of Four Corners to understand what process led to the airing of this pro-Putin and pro-violence propaganda piece by Australia’s national broadcaster. I will share with them the facts that the program totally disregarded.”

Members of the Sydney Ukrainian community will also be protesting outside the ABC studios in
Ultimo today at 5:00pm.

Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, said in response, “The ABC has operational and editorial independence. Questions or concerns about ABC editorial content should be directed to the ABC.

“I have received the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia’s correspondence, and have provided him with information regarding the ABC complaints process and relevant contact details.”

Updated:

“We believe Australian audiences also have the right to watch it and make up their own minds,” an ABC spokesperson said.

“It adds to our understanding of this tragic conflict and shows the full, horrific impact of the war. The reporter challenges the Russian soldiers and civilians featured in the film about their beliefs and opinions.”

Source: Guardian Australia