Turkish Journalists Reportedly Brought to Mariupol by Occupying Forces to Create Pro-Russian Propaganda

According to a recent report from Ukrainian National Resistance Center (CNS), Russian occupying authorities have brought pro-Russian journalists from Turkey to Mariupol to produce propagandistic materials.

“This time, representatives of Turkish media outlets that readily echo Kremlin narratives visited the city, which has been devastated by Russian military forces, with the aim of producing propaganda materials. For example, Turkish journalist Yiğit Saner ‘saw’ residents on the streets of Mariupol who only became happy after Russia arrived,” CNS wrote.

These tours have become a systematic practice, the Center's staff notes.

“Alongside ‘media personnel,’ various so-called politicians are also making appearances. Recently, Kremlin puppets visited the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region, with their trips serving purely propagandistic purposes. Among them was Andranik Tevanian, a leader of the pro-Russian opposition in Armenia, who visited Donetsk,” CNS reported.

“Such visits create a false impression of legitimacy regarding the occupation of Ukraine within the international community. They also serve as attempts to gauge the world’s reaction and encourage other Kremlin allies to visit the temporarily occupied territories,” the National Resistance Center emphasizes.

Mariupol was besieged by Russian troops between February and May 2022, resulting in widespread devastation and thousands of deaths. The assault damaged residential areas, hospitals, and essential infrastructure, leaving residents with limited access to food and water. Authorities estimate that at least 25,000 people may have been killed during the siege, although the actual figure remains uncertain and could be significantly higher.