President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during a meeting with representatives of the Secret Intelligence Service in the framework of his recent visit to the UK, the issue of misinformation and fake news was discussed. The Head of State noted that the domestic media should verify the information they publish more carefully.
"We had a meeting in the MI-6 office. Unfortunately, I cannot reveal all the information. That is, these are state affairs. I read what was written about the content of that meeting. First, there was a different content at this meeting," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, answering questions from media representatives during a working trip to Odesa.
Also, according to him, the issue, which, according to some Ukrainian media, allegedly was raised at the meeting, was not actually considered at all.
"Of all the issues of our long two-hour meeting, the majority touched upon the assistance and protection of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I can't reveal the details," the President of Ukraine said.
The Head of State said that one of the topics discussed at the meeting was countering misinformation and fake news.
"They said we have a big problem that the media are financed not only by Ukrainians. That in Ukraine, unfortunately, many TV channels that you and I know are funded by different groups," the Head of State said.
He stressed that the issues of protection of freedom and protection of information are extremely important for the security of the state, so it is topical to create independent media.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that journalists will care for their authority and check information, regardless of who owns a particular media outlet.
"It seems to me that the main purpose of this profession is to check information and publish it freely. And this is right. As for the independent media, I am sure that we have many independent journalists. And we will always support their freedom," the President concluded.