The refusal to allow Russian journalists to attend a briefing of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton in Kiev contradicts the principle of press freedom, which is actively promoted by Brussels, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Its spokesman, Aleksandr Lukashevich, said that the EU has explained the decision by difficulties in logistics and security measures, RT reported. However, he described the explanations as "unsatisfactory". The reporters were not allowed to attend the event on January 29, which EU representatives said was held in "a limited format".