The YouTube platform has carried out a large-scale cleanup of content in Ukraine. According to the latest data, another 25 channels directly linked to individuals and organizations under sanctions have been blocked or completely removed. All these resources were involved in the information war against Ukraine.

The information about the blocks was confirmed by the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), which published a corresponding message on Facebook. Experts from the center noted that the crackdown affected not only large media holdings but also the personal resources of well-known propagandists.

Who fell under the block

The list of blocked resources includes channels of federal Russian media outlets that operated in the Ukrainian market in propaganda mode. In particular, access has been closed to the resources of "RIA Novosti" and the publication "Ukraine.ru".

A significant part of the blocks affected personal blogs and pages of public figures actively supporting Russian aggression. The list includes:

  • Tatyana Montyan — a well-known pro-Russian propagandist;
  • Alexander Sladkov — war correspondent and propagandist;
  • Yevgeny Murayev — former People's Deputy of Ukraine, currently under sanctions;
  • Vsevolod Filimonenko and Yuri Kot;
  • Anton Kholodov and Dmitry Gulyev.

In addition to personal pages, YouTube has restricted access to the resources of the "All-Russian Cossack Society" and the "Union of Journalists of Russia", as well as the news portal ZvezdaNEWS. Pages of several pseudo-volunteer structures used to promote false information were also blocked.

Causes and consequences

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that these channels systematically spread disinformation, justified Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, and were used to provide moral support to occupation forces. The main goal of these resources is to promote the Kremlin's agenda.

This is not an isolated case. Previously, YouTube already restricted access in Ukraine to channels of Russian artists under sanctions who publicly support the war. A few days ago, it became known about the blocking of pro-Putin resources of Nikolai Baskov and Ani Lorak.

Parallel to the platform's actions, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies continue investigations against foreign propagandists. Thus, the SBU has issued a suspicion in absentia against Russian singer Grigory Leps. He is accused of financing violent actions by occupiers and justifying the RF's aggression against Ukraine.