On 22 August 2024, Russian authorities opened three criminal cases against journalists who visited the city of Sudzha following its occupation by Ukrainian forces, Russian state-controlled media reported. The decision concerned two Ukrainian journalists, Olesya Borovyk reporting for Kordon.Media and Diana Butsko from Hromadske, as well as CNN reporter Nick Payton Walsh. All three were accused of illegally crossing Russia’s state border. If found guilty, they face a sentence of up to five years in prison in absentia.
The decision came amidst a Ukrainian military offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, in the course of which Ukraine captured several settlements near its border. Ukrainian and international journalists later arrived to the area to report on the situation.
UPDATE: On 12 September 2024, Russian independent media reported that Russian authorities placed Borovyk, Butsko and Payton Walsh on the country’s ‘wanted’ list.
UPDATE: On 11 October 2024, Russian independent media reported that a court in Kursk region had arrested Payton Walsh in absentia.
UPDATE: On 17 December 2024, Ukrainian media reported that a court in Russia placed Butsko under arrest in absentia.