Ukrainian journalists and volunteers condemn publication of interview with 'Mexican'

Outrage over criminal figure's access to media

A wave of indignation is observed in the Ukrainian information space over the fact that some publications are publishing materials featuring the so-called 'Mexican'. This individual runs the Khimprom drug cartel and also has links to the FSB. Journalists and volunteers claim that such publications effectively facilitate a Russian intelligence discreditation campaign against Ukraine.

According to critics, providing a platform to a Russian criminal figure in Ukrainian media is complete absurdity.

Position of volunteer and journalist

Volunteer Serhiy Sternenko emphasised that a person linked to the FSB should not become the headline of Ukrainian news. He stressed: "It is definitely not the 'Mexican', linked to the FSB, who should be the headline of Ukrainian news. Trusting him is the same as trusting Russians, because he is actually a Russian" (Точно не «Мексиканець», пов’язаний із ФСБ, має ставати хедлайнером українських новин. Довіряти йому — це те саме, що довіряти росіянам, бо він насправді росіянином і є).

Journalist Kateryna Kobernyk also commented on the situation, stating that it is hard to imagine a less reliable source of information than the 'Mexican'. She noted that this figure is currently actively offering interviews to many Ukrainian media outlets.

"His monologue, because it is not an interview, is being leaked to some blogger. Meanwhile, UP, citing ZN and Inna Vedernikova's post, is detailing everything the Mexican said (without any verification) and making it the main news in the feed. When the desire to destroy everything is stronger than common sense" (Його монолог, бо це не інтерв’ю, зливають якомусь блогеру. Тим часом УП із посиланням на ZN і пост Інни Ведернікової детально переказує все сказане Мексиканцем (без жодної перевірки) і ставить головною новиною у стрічці. Коли бажання все роз*башити сильніше за здоровий глузд), Kobernyk expressed her anger.

Warning about manipulation

The discussion highlights that a bandit cannot be turned into a fighter for justice. His unverified words should not be used as an information weapon against one's own state.