Ukraine Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko‘s withering takedown of ABC’s Four Corners Ukraine special
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia has unleashed a withering tirade at the ABC, saying the public broadcaster’s Four Corners special about the war with Russia was “the journalistic equivalent of a bowl of vomit”.
Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the episode, titled Ukraine’s War: The Other Side was “total garbage” about which the ABC should be “ashamed”.
The episode was touted by Aunty as a groundbreaking documentary offering “a human perspective on life on the Russian frontline”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“(Filmmaker Sean Langan) explores what it’s like to be both a Russian soldier risking their life, and a Russian civilian under daily threat of bombardment,” the synopsis reads.
“It’s extraordinary access and a compelling exploration of a conflict which has killed or wounded an estimated 500,000 soldiers on both sides — and one which refuses to subside.”
Mr Myroshnychenko said he had demanded a meeting with the ABC’s top brass via Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
“The program aired last night on Four Corners (called) Ukraine’s War: The Other Side was the journalistic equivalent of a bowl of vomit,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.
“It unquestioningly repeated and aired countless blatant lies, historical distortions, racist claims and propaganda narratives emanating from the Kremlin. Inasmuch, it completely served the interests of Russia’s dictator, Putin.
“Through the Minister for Communications, I will ask for a meeting with the managing director of the ABC and the executive producer of Four Corners to understand what process led to the airing of this pro-Putin and pro-violence propaganda piece by Australia’s national broadcaster. I will share with them the facts that the program totally disregarded.”
An ABC spokesperson defended what they called the “challenging but legitimate” documentary.
“It adds to our understanding of this tragic conflict and shows the full, horrific impact of the war. The reporter challenges the Russian soldiers and civilians featured in the film about their beliefs and opinions,” the spokesperson said.
“The documentary is being seen internationally and is considered an important contribution to the reporting of the war. We believe Australian audiences also have the right to watch it and make up their own minds.”
The spokesperson confirmed the ABC would meet with Mr Myroshnychenko to discuss his concerns.
