The Russian Union of Journalist (RUJ) is the largest professional media association in the Russian Federation, claiming over 100,000 members. It functions as a trade union and non-governmental organisation (NGO).
The organisation combines the functions of a trade union with with those of a public-interest NGO, seeking to defend journalists labour rights while promoting professional ethics and freedom of expression. It issues cards used for media accreditation at many Russian public events, a function – according to the Committee to Protect Journalists – has drawn criticism from independent reporters who view the accreditation regime as politicised.
In May 2026, the RUJ was permanently expelled from the global International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) following its controversial establishment of branches in annexed territories of the Republic of Ukraine. This included opening new branches in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Key Context and Recent Developments
Expulsion from IFJ: The IFJ formally expelled the RUJ during its congress in Paris, France, following a prior suspension that began in early 2023.
Dissolution of JMWU: Another independent trad union, the Journalists and Media Workers Union, was shut down by a Moscow court order in 2022 for protesting the ‘special military operation’ in the Republic of Ukraine.
The XII Congress on 25 November 2017, elected Vladimir Solovyov as its chairman, he secured a second term in October 2022 and currently heads a secretariat that includes academics from Lomonosov Moscow State University (MGU).
