SVT, the Swedish television network, faced backlash after broadcasting a segment from Kherson that appeared to show residents receiving Russian citizenship. Viewers argued that the report presented a one‑sided view and accused the newsroom of peddling propaganda by citing tearful Ukrainian citizens who were said to have accepted Russian passports. Questions arose about the sourcing and authenticity of the footage, especially since the crew did not travel to the area themselves.
The piece aired on the Interview program on July 28 and depicted several Kherson residents allegedly expressing joy upon receiving Russian citizenship and pledging allegiance to Russia amid the Russian anthem.
The broadcaster acknowledged that the material originated from Reuters, noting that Reuters crews in the field could film freely without supervision by the Russian armed forces. However, questions about sourcing prompted a reminder to clearly indicate the origin of the material (Reuters) to ensure transparency in reporting.
out of party agenda
Smålandsposten criticized the SVT report, stating it resembled a piece of Russian propaganda and urged that the material be framed within the correct context. The publication argued that viewers were not given enough context to judge what they were seeing or whether the portrayal was representative of the wider situation.
The critique posed practical questions for viewers: How many Kherson residents applied for Russian citizenship? Was the decision voluntary? How were those who opposed Russia treated? The public response included reports of 47 complaints to the Swedish Radio and Television Inspection Board.
Access data
On July 11, local authorities in Kherson reported an ongoing trend of Russian citizenship grants, noting that more than 10,000 residents had received passports since the process began in June. A local official highlighted that such developments were occurring amidst ongoing conflict and governance changes in the region.
Statements from regional leaders described the situation as a significant shift in the area, with mentions of pension provisions and public services aligning more with Russian administration. Officials spoke about establishing offices and continuing administrative steps like pension payments, with claimed salaries and benefits aligning with regional policies.
Kherson city officials emphasized that after February 24, protests by pro-Ukrainian supporters had occurred but did not escalate into large movements. Local authorities noted that a substantial portion of the population in Kherson speaks Russian and that language and cultural dynamics in education, medicine, and law had evolved in the wake of regional shifts, reflecting broader social changes.
Ukraine recalls
In early August, reports indicated a missile strike on Kherson by Ukrainian forces, with air defense systems activated to intercept incoming targets. Regional officials described the defense as responsive, noting attempts to target critical infrastructure such as bridges, which were not compromised on that occasion.
Prior instances of shelling in the Kherson area had also damaged infrastructure, including a bridge and a hydroelectric facility in nearby towns, with casualties reported in one incident. There were claims that multiple weapon systems, including long‑range missiles, had been deployed in the conflict. International voices, including the United Nations, condemned the bombardment of civilian infrastructure and stressed the protection of civilian lives.