MOSCOW, April 12. /TASS/. Washington’s stance on Russian media runs counter to the principles of freedom of speech and human rights, a senior Russian diplomat told reporters on Wednesday.

Responding to a question from a TASS reporter, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said, "It is not surprising that the country that always positions itself as the home of human rights and a champion for freedom of speech and expression has, in this particular case, adopted a position that not only contravenes freedom of expression and human rights, but categorically negates them."

Ryabkov’s comment concerned a remark by James Rubin, special envoy of the US Department of State, who urged firmer action to stymie the reach of Russian media outlets worldwide or shut them down altogether.

Ryabkov lamented that Russia was facing what he said was a deeply hostile line being pursued by the United States. "We must be on alert and we have to be ready for any provocation, any further destructive steps," he said.

"We will find the opportunity, and our media have the requisite competencies and resources to reach out to a wider audience in order to tell the truth and show how things really stand," he affirmed. According to Ryabkov, such bans, denials or rejections would only serve to boost the popularity of Russian media.

Rubin, who is currently touring the Western Balkans, told N1 television earlier that the region was under the strong manipulative influence of structures connected to Russia and China, while its information space was being seriously "poisoned by Russian disinformation."