Ukrainian-born Russian reporter critical of war, smuggled to France after ‘hiding for weeks’

A Russian reporter critical of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine said on Monday she fled to France after Reporters Without Borders (RSF) smuggled her out of Russia.

“It was very difficult,” Ukrainian-born journalist Ekaterina Barabash, who faces up to 10 years in prison for criticising Moscow’s army, told a news conference at the media watchdog’s headquarters in Paris.

Her journey lasted around two-and-a-half weeks, she said in English.

“I arrived three days ago,” she said, adding she was not at liberty to disclose all the details.

“I am going to ask for political asylum.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, authorities have launched thousands of cases against people accused of “discrediting” the army.