Russian troops launched a missile attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, targeting foreign journalists. The strike resulted in the death of Ryan Evans, a member of the Reuters team, and injuries to several others. Reporters Without Borders has condemned this attack, asserting it was aimed directly at journalists.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied that the hotel was deliberately targeted, claiming Russian strikes are focused on military infrastructure. However, Russian propaganda suggested that the journalists were illegally present in Russia, a claim that has been debunked.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Russia has reportedly committed 620 crimes against journalists in Ukraine, with 84 media workers killed, including 10 while performing journalistic duties. Reporters Without Borders emphasized that the Russian army has intentionally targeted journalists to obstruct reporting, violating international law.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Russian forces continue their offensive across various fronts in Ukraine, with significant activity noted around Bakhmut, Pokrovsk, and Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials reported ongoing artillery exchanges and ground assaults, with Russian forces gaining ground in several areas.
In the Kursk region, local residents expressed a desire for peace and criticized the Russian military's attacks on civilian areas, including schools and community centers. The humanitarian situation remains dire as many residents are forced to shelter in basements due to intensified bombings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to provide long-range weaponry to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, emphasizing the urgency of these requests as the conflict continues.