Ruslan Bortnik, Director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics, denies any cooperation with govorit.tv and rejects the political affiliations attributed to him. Below is his response to the Texty.org.ua article published on 29 September 2026.
In an article by Artem Korol published on Texty.org.ua, I am presented as one of the authors of govorit.tv, associated with Viktor Medvedchuk’s media network, and described as having promoted Medvedchuk and the Opposition Platform — For Life party (OPZZh). I reject these assertions concerning me.
This presentation creates a false impression that I cooperate with the website, depend on the political organisations concerned, and participate in their coordinated media activities. It damages my professional reputation and that of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics.
Reuse of Materials Does Not Establish Cooperation
I have never prepared materials for govorit.tv, supplied it with texts or videos, provided comments at its request, or agreed to be presented as an author for the website. I do not know anyone on its editorial staff and have had no contact or agreements with them.
A third-party website’s publication of materials under my name without my consent does not establish an authorial relationship, partnership, or political affiliation. Republication by others cannot serve as evidence of my organisational or financial ties.
Throughout more than twenty years of public work as a political analyst, I have commented on representatives of various Ukrainian political parties, offering both positive and negative assessments on television channels belonging to different owners. An expert’s appearance on a television channel does not, in itself, establish cooperation with its owner’s political organisations.
I have received no funding from Viktor Medvedchuk or OPZZh, carried out no political assignments for them, and had no organisational cooperation with them.
My Position and Voluntary Examinations
On 18 March 2026, I voluntarily underwent a polygraph examination at the National Association of Polygraph Examiners of Ukraine, followed by an examination at the Security Service of Ukraine on 19 March.
As stated in my public statement on the Institute’s website, the examination results confirmed that neither I nor the Institute received Russian funding, that I did not supply reports to Russian organisations, and that I had no knowledge of, or agreements concerning, the use of my name and materials in Russia.
I have not visited the Russian Federation since 2014. Since 24 February 2022, I have provided no comments to Russian media.
I consider allegations and insinuations of such cooperation false and connected with dishonest political and information campaigns in Ukraine. My position is also set out in the official statement of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics NGO.
The Right of Reply and Correction
My previous communications with the Texty.org.ua editorial team and attempts to resolve disputed issues received no response.
Pursuant to Article 43 of Ukraine’s Law on Media and Article 277 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, I request that the editorial team uphold my right of reply, publish my response alongside the article concerned, and correct the assertions attributing cooperation with govorit.tv, Viktor Medvedchuk, OPZZh, or organisations associated with them to me.
I also request that the editorial team identify the specific verified facts supporting these assertions. Where sufficient factual grounds are absent, the assertions should be corrected.
I expect the outlet to uphold its stated standards of accuracy, fact-checking, and responsible treatment of people’s reputations. If my request is refused or left without proper consideration, I reserve the right to seek review by journalistic self-regulatory bodies, contact the outlet’s donors, and pursue judicial protection.
Ruslan Bortnik
Director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics
30 September 2026
