Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 17) — Digital news site Philstar.com removed the recently published opinion piece by Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov about the Ukraine invasion after several European envoys to the Philippines called out the article’s “blatant untruths.”
When clicking the link to the op-ed, the text “Philstar.com has removed this piece, which originally appeared in the Philippine Star’s Diplomatic Pouch column,” appears.
PhilStar said in a news article written about the op-ed that it was taken down “to prevent online disinformation.”
Before the article was deleted, European ambassadors said they were appalled by Pavlov’s statements which called Russia’s attacks a “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.”
“Let’s be clear: Russia invaded a sovereign state. It is committing war crimes & shows complete disregard for international law & civilian life,” said British Ambassador Laure Beaufils.
European Union Ambassador Luc Veron also said the piece was full of “sad and blatant untruths” and called for a fight against disinformation.
“Plain truth is that Russia has invaded Ukraine and attacking its population. Russia disregards sovereignty & territorial integrity. Let’s fight disinformation!!” Vernon tweeted.
French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel and Irish Ambassador William Carlos said they were also “shocked” by the article.
Sad and blatant untruths in 🇷🇺 ambassador op-ed @philstarnews today!
Plain truth is that Russia has invaded Ukraine and attacking its population.
Russia disregards sovereignty & territorial integrity
Let’s fight disinformation!! #StandwithUkraine— Luc Veron (@EUAmbPH) March 17, 2022
Shocking OpEd in this morning’s @PhilstarNews. Upsetting to see these lies in print. Let’s be clear: Russia invaded a sovereign state. It is committing war crimes & shows complete disregard for international law & civilian life. #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 https://t.co/RaolOh0RI6
— Laure Beaufils (@LaureBeaufils) March 16, 2022
