On 26 July 2023, the Moscow department of Russia’s Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal case against Ukrainian journalist Yanina Sokolovska for dissemination of what Russian authorities claim is “fake news” about the war in Ukraine. If found guilty, she could face up to 15 years of prison according to article 207.3 of the Russian criminal code.
The Investigative Committee claimed that Sokolovska disseminated false information on Russian troops and their “actions against Ukrainian civilians”, from March to May 2022. However, authorities did not specify exactly which publications she was being incriminated for.
Security forces also raided Sokolovska’s apartment in Moscow, where she currently no longer lives.
According to independent Russian and Ukrainian media, the Ukrainian journalist had worked in the past with Russian state-run news companies, but had taken a pro-Ukrainian position after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country. Her exact whereabouts are unknown, however Russian outlet RBC claimed she had left Russia at the start of the invasion.
UPDATE: On 23 January 2025, Russian authorities reported that a court in Moscow had sentenced Sokolovska to 7.5 years of prison in absentia.