In a concerning development approximately one year ago, a Reuters news team covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine fell victim to a missile strike in the eastern city of Kramatorsk. The incident, which occurred at the Hotel Sapphire, resulted in one journalist going missing and two others requiring hospitalization.
Reuters, one of the world's oldest and largest news agencies, reported that their six-person crew was staying at the hotel when it was hit by what appeared to be a missile strike. The agency immediately launched efforts to gather more information and support their affected colleagues and their families.
Kramatorsk, the administrative center of the Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The city's strategic importance is underscored by its location, approximately 55 km northwest of the Russian-occupied Donetsk city.
Vadym Filashkin, the governor of Donetsk region, confirmed the attack via Telegram, stating that Russian forces had targeted Kramatorsk. He reported that two journalists were injured and one was missing following the hotel strike. Local authorities, police, and rescue teams were promptly deployed to the scene to conduct debris clearance and rescue operations.
The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's Office swiftly opened a pre-trial investigation into the incident. According to their statement, the attack occurred at 10:35 p.m. local time, potentially involving an Iskander-M missile system, a short-range ballistic missile platform utilized by the Russian military.
This attack on journalists is not only a tragedy but also a potential war crime under international law. Journalists covering conflict zones are protected under international humanitarian law, highlighting the severity of this incident.
Kramatorsk has a history of being caught in the crossfire of this conflict. In April 2022, the city's railway station was the site of a devastating missile attack that claimed the lives of 59 civilians. The city briefly fell under the control of pro-Russian separatists in 2014 but was subsequently liberated by Ukrainian forces.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Kramatorsk remains an important industrial center, known for its machine-building plants. The city has been fortifying its defenses since 2014, anticipating potential Russian advances. It has also become a hub for foreign journalists and international organizations supporting the local population, making the Hotel Sapphire one of the few operational accommodations in the area during the war.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for the safe recovery of the missing journalist and the swift healing of those injured. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists working in conflict zones and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine.
"We are urgently seeking more information, working with the authorities in Kramatorsk, and supporting our colleagues and their families. We will give an update when we have more information."
The attack on the Hotel Sapphire not only impacts the journalists directly involved but also raises concerns about press freedom and safety in conflict zones. As Kramatorsk continues to play a crucial role in the ongoing war, the international community must redouble its efforts to protect civilians and ensure the safety of those working to bring vital information to the world.