Russian journalist Ekaterina Barabash has arrived in Paris after a perilous escape from Moscow, where she faced up to 10 years in prison for social media posts critical of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Assisted by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Barabash dismantled her electronic monitoring bracelet and traveled clandestinely over 2,800 kilometers to evade authorities. RSF described her escape as one of the most dangerous operations they’ve coordinated since 2022.
During a press conference at RSF’s headquarters on May 5, Barabash condemned the state of journalism in Russia, stating, “Journalism no longer exists in Russia.” She emphasized that under the current regime, journalists face either imprisonment or exile.
Barabash’s case highlights the broader repression of press freedom in Russia. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, over 90 independent media outlets have fled to the European Union and neighboring countries. At least 38 journalists remain imprisoned in Russia, and the country ranks 171st out of 180 in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index.
Now in Paris, Barabash plans to seek asylum and resume her journalistic work with exiled Russian-language media. She holds a six-month visa and is in the process of regularizing her status. Despite the challenges ahead, she remains determined to continue her mission of truth-telling.
Barabash’s escape underscores the critical role of international organizations like RSF in protecting journalists and preserving press freedom in repressive regimes.
