Russia continues to attack, kill, and injure journalists who are covering its war against Ukraine.
Today in Kramatorsk, a Russian drone directly struck a car with Ukrainian “Freedom” TV reporters, killing journalist Olena Hubanova and cameraman Yevhen Karmazin, and severely injuring journalist Oleksandr Kolychev.
Condolences to families, close ones, and colleagues of the victims. Their courage in reporting the truth about Russian aggression against Ukraine will never be forgotten.
I also wish a speedy recovery to the injured reporter and wish strength to his loved ones.
Not long ago, a direct Russian drone strike killed French photojournalist Antoni Lallican and injured his Ukrainian colleague Heorhii Ivanchenko. Since 2022, Russia has already killed 135 media representatives in the course of its full-scale war.
These are not accidents or mistakes, but a deliberate Russian strategy to silence all independent voices reporting about Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine.
I am grateful to everyone around the world who does not close eyes to Russia’s targeted attacks against journalists and other crimes.
It is very important to support our people. And I urge everyone around the world, including reporters, media watchdogs, specialized UN and OSCE representatives, all governments and institutions to support Ukraine’s defense and all kinds of pressure on Russia that help end this war as soon as possible.