Russian-language media outside Russia: war in Ukraine and the question of responsibility

Public lecture by Sergei Metlev, editor-in-chief of the Russian editions of the Estonian daily Postimees

Thursday, March 16, 14.15-15.45
Lossi 36-214

The lecture will tackle the question of responsibility of Russian-speaking media outside of Russia in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. The importance and responsibility of Russian-speaking media in Estonia has increased greatly since February 24, 2022 – it now plays an important role in informing the public, building a shared information space, ensuring societal cohesion and stability, and countering disinformation. This has been reflected in increased government funding to Russian-speaking media and the expansion of activities. Sergei Metlev will talk about his experiences and challenges as the editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of Estonia’s main daily newspaper during the year of war.

Sergei Metlev has served as editor-in-chief of the Russian editions of the Estonian daily newspaper Postimees since April 2022. He holds a Master's Degree in Law from the University of Tartu. In 2018-2022 Metlev was Head of Communications and Member of Board of the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory, a non-governmental foundation that focuses on the investigation of war crimes and human rights violations committed by totalitarian regimes. Before that, he was an Adviser at the Estonian Parliament (2015-2017) and Member of Board of a nation-wide youth association Open Republic (2010-2014) as well as its CEO (2014-2015). Metlev also serves as a Member of Council of the Estonian Network of NGOs.

The event is moderated by Piret Ehin, Professor of Comparative Politics at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies.

More information: Evelyn Pihla, evelyn.pihla@ut.ee