RUSSIA – The Russian Zvezda TV reported that its journalists were victims of Ukrainian drones strike while on a frontline assignment in Kherson Region on Thursday.
The station stated that its crew’s vehicle was hit twice by drones after having evaded similar strikes earlier. The car caught fire, forcing the crew to evacuate with the assistance of Russian troops
The Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo previously said Ukrainian troops systematically targeted ambulances, complicating efforts to evacuate the wounded.
Russian Journalists Killed in Ukraine War
Ukraine has been accused of targeting journalists, even when having clearly marked vehicles.
In March, a vehicle marked as press in the Lugansk People’s Republic was hit in a precision artillery strike, killing Izvestia reporter Aleksandr Fedorchak, Zvezda cameraman Andrey Panov, and their driver, Aleksandr Sirkeli. Another Zvezda reporter, Nikita Goldin, was seriously injured and later died.
Recently, a Vesti Donetsk film crew was struck by a Ukrainian drone in Gorlovka, leaving the driver and cameraman with concussions after the UAV exploded near their car.
Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine Last Night
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Russia launched 103 drones and a ballistic missile overnight targeting multiple regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro and Kherson, resulting in casualties and destruction.
In a statement, Zelenskyy confirmed that a “Shahed” drone struck a residential building in Pryluky, Chernihiv.
“Russia constantly tries to buy time to continue its killings. When it doesn’t feel strong enough condemnation and pressure from the world – it kills again,” he said.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed the president’s remarks, saying: “Overnight, Russia continued its terror against Ukraine and Ukrainians … There were injured and killed people. At least four children were wounded in Kharkiv.”
Sybiha stressed that “Russia does not seek peace. It issues ultimatums and targets civilians,” urging stronger international action.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also said on Telegram that five people were killed in Pryluky, and six more were injured. In Kharkiv, 18 people were injured, he added.
Zelenskyy called for additional sanctions and international pressure. “We expect action from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who can really help change these terrible circumstances,” he said. “Moscow must be pressured by all available means.”