The Russian Foreign Ministry warned Western journalists on Friday that if they “behave unprofessionally” or “treat Russia or its people in a rude manner,” then Moscow will not tolerate them

President Vladimir Putin signed a law last March that imposes prison terms of up to 15 years for deliberately spreading “fake” news about the military, prompting some Western media outlets to pull their reporters from Russia.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that when prominent Western correspondents met with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow this week, some complained about the conditions they were facing, including visas and accreditation.

“How many years were they provided with conditions that were absolutely favorable”Zakharova told reporters.

“That’s all over now. Now they will live in a new way,” said the Russian official. “If they do their job in a professional way, they will work, if not, then foreign journalists will not work.” “If they treat us, our country and our people rudely, then they are simply not welcome here.”

Russian officials argue that the Western media is covering the war in Ukraine in a deeply one-sided manner, ignoring the roots of the conflict and openly siding with Ukraine, while displaying open and unconscious racism against Russians.

Moscow has blocked access to Facebook and Twitter while branding some Russian reporters foreign agents. Some of Russia’s leading journalists have left the country.

In the Press Freedom Index, a press freedom ranking compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders, Russia ranks 155th out of 180 countries, just above Afghanistan and Pakistan. Norway is in first place.