Journalists targeted by the Kremlin: an attack every 11 days
Russian forces have systematically targeted journalists and media infrastructure in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began on , with an average of one attack occurring every 11 days, according to data compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
The attacks are not limited to physical assaults on media professionals but extend to the deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure, including television and radio towers. RSF has documented at least 25 such attacks since , including eight within the first ten days of the invasion. saw the tragic death of Ukrainian cameraman Yevhenii Sakun, killed during the bombing of Kyiv’s television tower – the first journalist confirmed dead covering the conflict.
These strikes, RSF asserts, are designed to deprive the Ukrainian population of access to information and sow confusion during wartime. Beyond infrastructure, Russian forces have also targeted hotels frequently used by journalists as bases of operation in northern, eastern, and southern Ukraine. A report jointly produced by RSF and the Ukrainian organization Truth Hounds, titled “Last Check-In: The Russian strikes on Ukrainian hotels silencing the press,” details 24 such hotels targeted by Russian attacks, often at night and near front lines. The bombardments resulted in at least seven journalists wounded and one fatality.
The Kremlin’s actions extend beyond physical attacks to include legal persecution. RSF has filed ten complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) since , alleging war crimes committed by Russia. Nine complaints have been lodged with Ukrainian courts, and two in France, seeking accountability for the targeting of journalists. This legal pressure has contributed to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office launching 127 preliminary investigations into war crimes against journalists since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The ongoing repression of Ukrainian journalists is occurring alongside a broader effort to silence independent media in occupied territories and replace it with Kremlin propaganda, as highlighted by RSF’s work in Ukraine. The deportation of Ukrainian reporter Hennadiy Osmak – imprisoned since – to Russia, and the 14-year prison sentence handed down to Crimean journalist Vilen Temerianov, detained since , exemplify this relentless crackdown on independent reporting. Temerianov, who worked for the now-closed independent media outlet Grani.ru, was convicted of “participating in the activities of a terrorist organization” and “preparing for a violence seizure of power” – charges he vehemently denied during his trial, stating he had not committed any offense.
As of , RSF reports that at least 16 journalists have been killed and a minimum of 53 injured since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The organization emphasizes that reporting remains a vital bulwark against disinformation, with Russia investing significant resources in pro-Kremlin media narratives.
Ukrainian journalists continue to operate in extremely dangerous conditions, facing bombardment, propaganda efforts, and psychological strain. Alyona Yatsyna, director and co-founder of the Sumy-based media outlet Kordon.media, described the sudden shift from ordinary life to war reporting after . Mstyslav Chernov, the Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker behind “20 Days in Mariupol,” underscored the initial lack of preparedness and the urgent need for protective equipment. Natalia Vygovska, a journalist and media expert at the Institute of Mass Information, highlighted the rapid implementation of safety measures, including helmets, bulletproof vests, and hostile-environment first aid training (HEFAT).
RSF has recently filed a landmark complaint with the ICC, alleging crimes against humanity committed by the Kremlin through its persecution of journalists in Ukraine. This action underscores the organization’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions and securing the release of the 26 Ukrainian reporters currently detained by Russian authorities. RSF continues to document abuses against journalists and encourages those with information to share it securely via [email protected].
The targeting of journalists in Ukraine represents a deliberate attempt to suppress independent reporting and control the narrative surrounding the conflict, with far-reaching implications for freedom of the press and access to information globally.
