Russians bearing news
Putin’s propaganda project prepares to set up shop in Edinburgh
ALEX Salmond infamously sang the praises of Vladimir Putin – and it seems the Russian leader was listening.
Sputnik News – a state mouthpiece of Putin’s regime – has announced it is to open its first British hub in Edinburgh next year.
Created by Russian government’s propaganda chief, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sputnik says its aim is to fight back against the US-led world media.
But the move will raise concern that Sputnik will be used as an apologist for Kremlin policies.
Mr Kiselyov is widely seen as the architect of Russia’s attempts to revamp its image abroad.
During last year’s Crimea crisis – which the Kremlin attempted to equate with Scottish independence – Mr Kiselyov boasted that Russia was ‘the only country in the world capable of turning the US into radioactive dust’.
He is eager to have non-Russians fronting the radio, video and digital output of the Sputnik agency.
He said: ‘The majority of content will be prepared locally, by local journalists, taking into account local discussions and the demands of the local audience.’
The agency’s other new hubs around the world including Berlin, Paris and Washington. It was launched in its present form in November and describes itself as a major new media brand ‘uniquely positioned as a provider of alternative news content and a radio broadcaster’.
A spokesman said: ‘We plan to start operations in Edinburgh early next year.
‘Sputnik UK editorial team will be formed by the end of the year and might consist of circa 15 people. We have already started hiring technical staff.’
Sputnik websites are available in more than 80 cities and in more than 30 languages, carrying a variety of content including infographics, video, photo essays, live video and audio streaming and internet voting. Its news wires run round the clock i n English, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese.
A spokesman for the Consulate General of Russia in Edinburgh said: ‘It is very good to see Sputnik UK head office being opened in Edinburgh.’
An economy spokesman for the City of Edinburgh Council said: ‘The arrival of Sputnik News is yet another example of Edinburgh’s broad international appeal.’
Mr Salmond attracted criticism during the referendum campaign for an ill-advised interview with GQ magazine.
He praised Mr Putin only days after 80,000 Russian troops massed on the Ukrainian border.
In the i nterview with former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, Mr Salmond said: ‘I don’t approve of a range of Russian actions but Putin’s more effective than the press he gets and you can see why he carries support in Russia.’
Pressed on whether he admired Putin, he added: ‘Certain aspects. He’s restored a substantial part of Russian pride and that must be a good thing.’
‘Uniquely positioned’