Stay Informed with Free Updates

Tragedy Strikes: Reuters Journalist Killed in Russian Missile Attack

A devastating Russian missile attack on a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk has resulted in the death of a Reuters journalist and injured two others. The attack occurred on Saturday night, and the hotel, where the Reuters team was staying, was hit by a Russian missile.

The Attack

According to Reuters, the Hotel Sapphire, where the six-person team was staying, was struck at 10:35 pm local time on Saturday. The office of the prosecutor-general of Ukraine confirmed that the body of a UK citizen, identified as the Reuters team’s security adviser, was recovered from the debris of the hotel.

Injuries and Casualties

Two journalists, aged 38 and 40, were injured in the attack and are being treated for blast-related injuries, brain contusions, leg fractures, and cuts. A high-rise residential building was also damaged in the attack, and emergency workers are still searching for the missing Reuters staff member.

Russian Military’s False Claims

Russian military bloggers and politicians boasted about the attack on Telegram, claiming falsely that the Kremlin’s forces had struck an army facility. However, Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that the attack was on a residential area, and the hotel was hit by a Russian missile.

Ukraine’s Response

Kyiv condemned the attack, with Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi saying, "Another heinous and deliberate Russian strike hit Kramatorsk’s residential areas last night, injuring foreign media journalists in a hotel." The Ukrainian government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s attacks on residential areas and civilian targets.

The War on Journalism

The attack on the Hotel Sapphire is not an isolated incident. Russia has repeatedly attacked hotels where foreign media and humanitarian organizations have been known to stay. At least 15 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of work during the war, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The Conflict

The attack is part of a series of Russian missile and drone strikes overnight aimed at northern and eastern Ukraine. The air force said its defences had intercepted most of the missiles and drones over the north-eastern regions of Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. An earlier Russian attack on Saturday on a residential area in Kostyantynivka, 30km south of Kramatorsk, killed five civilians.

Ukraine’s Incursion into Russia

Meanwhile, Ukraine is pressing ahead with its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which began on August 6. Moscow’s forces in the Donetsk region have continued to advance towards the military and logistical stronghold of Pokrovsk, 80km south-west of Kramatorsk.

Conclusion

The attack on the Hotel Sapphire is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of war. The loss of life and injuries sustained by the Reuters team and civilians is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding international law and protecting innocent lives.

FAQs

Q: What happened to the Reuters team?
A: The Reuters team was staying at the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk when it was hit by a Russian missile. One member of the team was killed, and two others were injured.

Q: Who was the security adviser killed in the attack?
A: The security adviser killed in the attack was a UK citizen.

Q: What is the current situation in Ukraine?
A: The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. Ukraine has launched an incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, and Moscow’s forces are advancing towards the military and logistical stronghold of Pokrovsk.

Q: How many journalists have been killed in the line of work during the war?
A: At least 15 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of work during the war, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Q: What is the response of the international community to the attack?
A: The international community has condemned the attack, with many countries calling for an immediate end to the violence and respect for international law.

Author: www.ft.com

Orginal Source link