The British government has strongly condemned Russia’s threat to arrest The Sun’s defence editor, Jerome Starkey, calling it yet another example of the Kremlin’s desperate rhetoric. Downing Street has dismissed the move as an attempt by Vladimir Putin’s regime to silence fearless journalism that continues to expose the truth about Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

 

A court in Russia’s Kursk region announced via Telegram that Starkey had been placed on an “international, interstate wanted list.” The regional court alleged that he had illegally crossed the border into Russia last year. The federal security service (FSB) had petitioned the court, accusing a British national of entering the country from Ukraine in August 2023 to produce a report.

 

Reacting to the news, a spokesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “It’s just another example of desperate rhetoric from Putin’s government. Of course, we condemn it.” He went on to praise the work of British journalists, emphasizing their role in exposing injustices worldwide. “British journalists shine a light into some of the darkest corners of the world, uncovering atrocities. Jerome Starkey’s award-winning reporting from inside Ukraine, exposing the details of Russia’s illegal war for millions of readers, is no different.

 

If the Kremlin cannot withstand the British newspaper highlighting Ukraine’s brave defence of its freedom then, frankly, Putin should roll back his tanks, withdraw his forces and end the suffering of Ukrainian and Russian people. We will always stand with Ukraine, we will always stand by our free and fearless press.”

 

Defence Secretary John Healey also responded on X, formerly Twitter, saying the arrest threat was “another example of Putin’s weakness, and a credit to Jerome Starkey’s fearless reporting — and The Sun’s strong stance against Russian aggression.”

 

Russia has previously banned numerous British journalists, including reporters from The Times, as well as senior politicians, from entering the country. The crackdown on foreign media has intensified as Moscow seeks to control the narrative surrounding its invasion of Ukraine.

 

In December, Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Putin and deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, issued direct threats against British media. He claimed editors at The Times were “legitimate military targets” following an editorial discussing the assassination of a Russian general. Medvedev went further, calling The Times’ management team “lousy jackals” and warning them to “be careful,” ominously adding, “After all, a lot of things happen in London.”

 

The latest move against Starkey underscores the Kremlin’s growing intolerance of critical reporting, but British officials remain resolute in their support for journalists uncovering the realities of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-03

 

 

 

 

Now there's a good Monday morning laugh: Starmer to the defense of British tabloids.