Russian propagandist Vladimir Kornilov praises a Channel Zero report about Kaliningrad, claiming it caused shock among Polish elites.
Russian Commentator Defends Wiernikowska
Russian publicist Vladimir Kornilov defends journalist Maria Wiernikowska in his column. Kornilov presents himself on Telegram as a commentator for the state-owned media group Rossija Segodnya, which manages Kremlin agencies including RIA Novosti.
Kornilov describes how Wiernikowska “found the courage” to visit Kaliningrad (currently officially called Królewiec in Poland), where “to the horror of Polish propaganda, she discovered that normal people live in Russia.” He further writes that the Channel Zero report caused “shock among elites,” citing examples such as comments from government spokesperson Adam Szłapka and Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Criticism of the Channel Zero Report
As previously reported, Maria Wiernikowska’s report from a visit to the Kaliningrad region appeared on Channel Zero on Wednesday (February 4). The reporter spoke with residents, visited shops, a restaurant, and a market. She asked Russian women if they would send their sons to war in Ukraine. She also encountered a Russian soldier who was wounded in the leg on the front, asking about his recovery and whether he would return to Ukraine.
The material was widely criticized by journalists. Wiernikowska was accused of focusing on positive aspects of life in Russia, a country that has been conducting an aggressive war against Ukraine for four years. The report was also criticized by the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland for using an incorrect map.
“The map presented by Channel Zero is contrary to international law! We remind that Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. Poland also consistently takes this position,” emphasized Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar.
Hosts Resign Over Report
On Monday, February 9, the portal Wirtualne Media reported that due to the broadcast of the report, two hosts at Channel Zero are leaving—Agnieszka Kołodziejska and Piotr Połać, vocalist of the band Bracia Figo Fagot.
“In the current situation, I am unable to continue cooperation with Channel Zero. I don’t understand why material that relativizes Russia and what is happening there was released. I also don’t know why Channel Zero, instead of simply apologizing, defends it like Jasna Góra,” said Połać, quoted by the portal.
