Russian journalist killed in Ukrainian UAV attack

(CLO) On January 4, the Russian newspaper Izvestia announced that one of their reporters, Alexander Martemyanov, was killed in a UAV attack carried out by the Ukrainian army, near the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.

According to Izvestia, the attack targeted a civilian car carrying Martemyanov as it traveled on the highway linking Donetsk (the center of the Russian-controlled region) with the northern city of Horlivka. The newspaper stressed that the car was not near the fighting zone.

Illustration photo. Source: AI

In addition to Martemyanov, the attack also injured two other reporters from the Russian news agency RIA and two journalists working for a local newspaper in Donetsk.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the incident a "premeditated murder." On the Russian Foreign Ministry's website, Zakharova strongly criticized the Ukrainian government, accusing President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of using terrorist measures to "eliminate ideological opponents."

Ms Zakharova condemned the attack as part of a "series of bloody crimes" committed by the Kiev authorities since the conflict escalated.

At least 15 journalists have been killed since Russia began its conflict with Ukraine in February 2022, according to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This includes both international and local reporters working in war zones.

Donetsk is currently the epicentre of the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The area has seen fierce fighting, with frequent artillery and drone attacks.

While Russia controls much of Donetsk, Ukraine is still trying to push Russian troops out of the area. Both sides accuse each other of attacking civilian targets, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Cao Phong (according to TASS, Aljazeera, CPJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phong-vien-nga-thiet-mang-trong-cuoc-tan-cong-bang-uav-cua-ukraine-post329023.html