Ukrainians in Italy say Russia Today propaganda film screening violates EU sanctions

The Ukrainian community in Italy is leading a campaign against the screening of a documentary produced by the Russian state TV network RT (formerly Russia Today), whose screening is scheduled at a municipal Genoan building in northern Italy.

Scheduled for Feb. 28, the film ignited the ire of Ukrainians, as the film promotes pro-Kremlin narratives. Additionally, the film’s subject matter allegedly violates international sanctions imposed on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Specifically, the community’s call for pulling the plug on the movie is based on the venue planning to present material from RT that violates EU Regulation 2022/350, which bans the dissemination of content that supports Russia’s aggression.

RT had $1.42 billion allocated from Moscow’s coffers this year and poses as an international new television network. By contrast, U.S. international broadcaster CNN usually spends under $1 billion annually. 

Campaign organizers are urging people to send letters to the Mayor of Genoa and the city’s Prefect, demanding the event’s cancellation.

“Please send a letter today to oppose the screening of lies and Russian propaganda,” said Oles Horodetskyy, leader of the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy.

Local authorities have already received numerous letters from Ukrainians calling for the cancellation. The community stresses that this issue goes beyond freedom of expression and is a matter of adhering to international laws and norms.

For more information on how to send a letter, follow this link.