**Russian Journalist Escapes House Arrest, Fleeing Authorities Amid Ongoing Ukraine War**
In a shocking turn of events, Ekaterina Barabash, a 63-year-old Russian journalist who was arrested earlier this year for speaking out against the war in Ukraine, has escaped from house arrest and is now wanted by police. According to Russian state media, authorities were alerted to her disappearance on April 13 via an electronic monitoring system.
Barabash’s case highlights the ongoing crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression in Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a vocal critic of the war, she has been subjected to intense scrutiny by Russian authorities. In February, she was placed under house arrest for posting “fake news” about the war on her Facebook account.
Barabash’s troubles began when she was detained by the Russian Investigative Committee on February 25. The committee claimed that she had “admitted her guilt in full” during an interrogation, although it is unclear what specific charges were made against her. Her house arrest was set to expire on April 25, but authorities are now seeking her recapture.
**A History of Defiance**
Barabash’s outspoken views on the war have been well-documented. She has publicly supported Ukraine and condemned Russia’s actions in the conflict. In a Facebook post that has since gone viral, she wrote: “You bastards bomb a country, raze entire cities to the ground, kill hundreds of children, shoot at peaceful people for no reason… For what? For the sake of friendship with Ukraine?”
Her comments are part of a broader pattern of dissent in Russia. Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has cracked down on free speech and arrested thousands of citizens who have spoken out against the war.
**Global Condemnation**
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with ongoing attacks from Russian forces reported across multiple regions. The international community has condemned Russia’s actions, with US President Donald Trump stating that there are currently “no talks” of visiting Moscow for Vladimir Putin’s May 9 Victory Parade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has maintained a steadfast stance against Russia, calling for an unconditional ceasefire and lasting peace. His comments have been echoed by Western leaders, with many drawing parallels between the ongoing conflict and the appeasement of Adolf Hitler that led to World War II.
**A Complex Situation**
The situation on the ground is equally complex, with multiple regions experiencing intense fighting. In Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian forces have reported intense battles near the state border and within Russian-occupied territory.
As tensions escalate, it remains unclear what will be required for a lasting peace in Ukraine. However, one thing is certain – Russia’s continued aggression has led to widespread condemnation from around the world.
**Sources**
For more information on this story, please refer to the original article at kyivindependent.com.
