President Volodymyr Zelensky received a hug from a BBC reporter during a press conference, seemingly in violation of the organization’s impartiality code of conduct.
The Ukrainian President was welcomed by BBC Ukraine reporter Natalia Goncharova while touring a military base in Dorset with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Goncharova said she would really like to give Zelensky a hug when the BBC journalist was asked to question the two leaders.
Had to show this moment again on tonight's #BBCOS. Ukraine's President #Zelensky hugs my @BBCNews colleague Natalia Goncharova from @bbcukrainian during his press conference with the UK's Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/iKdlerY9BW
— Kasia Madera (@KasiaMadera) February 8, 2023
Breitbart reports: In comments translated by Bloomberg, the BBC reporter said: “Greetings Mr President, I would really like to hug you, but I’m not allowed.”
“Why not? Please do give me a hug,” Zelesnky responded before embracing Goncharova.
While the exchange was hailed by the BBC itself as demonstrating the “human” touch of Zelensky, others questioned the state of journalistic ethics at the public broadcaster.
The BBC’s own impartiality guidelines state: “Presenters, reporters and correspondents are the public face and voice of the BBC – they can have a significant impact on perceptions of whether due impartiality has been achieved. Our audiences should not be able to tell from BBC output the personal opinions of our journalists or news and current affairs presenters on matters of public policy, political or industrial controversy, or on ‘controversial subjects’ in any other area.
“They may provide professional judgements, rooted in evidence, but may not express personal views on such matters publicly, including in any BBC-branded output or on personal blogs and social media.”
The viral moment came after Mr Zelensky was received by the British Parliament in the historic Westminster Hall in London in which he thanked the UK government “in advance” for sending war planes to support the effort against Russia.
