The investigation by The Insider reveals that a Russian radio station broadcasting under the NRJ brand is now operating in Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia.
Since January 2024, in the Donetsk region, a Russian station using the NRJ license has been broadcasting continuously — and not just music.
The investigative report shows that Russia has installed a transmitter to ensure coverage so that “Nouvelle Radio Jeune” (NRJ) can be heard even in occupied territories and serve as a recruitment tool for the Russian army.
On air: music, official jingles from the French radio brand, messages from international music stars — but also calls for listeners to join the Russian army and take part in Vladimir Putin’s so-called “special operation.” A phone number and a link are even provided to enlist.
In Russia, the NRJ brand is operated by GPM Radio, a subsidiary of Gazprom-Media — the Kremlin’s media arm and a key tool of war propaganda. In 2020, a five-year contract was signed with Russia, set to expire in December 2025.
NRJ, we urge you to terminate this contract and leave Russia.
A French brand cannot remain complacent toward a regime that bombs civilian infrastructure, abducts children, and commits war crimes documented by the international community.
End this contract to avoid being complicit in Russian military propaganda — and therefore complicit in its crimes in Ukraine.
📌 April 2 Update: Following the publication of the investigation, NRJ told Libération that it has initiated steps to terminate its contract with Russia promptly.
