A deadly Russian missile attack on Kyiv that killed at least 23 people on Thursday, Aug. 28 also damaged the offices of two media outlets – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Ukrainska Pravda.
RFE/RL is an international media outlet with offices in 23 countries, while Ukrainska Pravda reports online news about Ukraine. Both offices sustained broken windows as well as some damage to the buildings themselves.
The EU’s Ukrainian headquarters was also damaged in the attack.
RFE/RL President Steven Kapus said that no staff had been injured, as per RFE/RL.
“Rest assured, our journalists will continue their vital work. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured in these attacks, as well as with the Ukrainian rescue workers.”
Ukrainska Pravda likewise continues to operate as usual. Photographs posted to their website show the building’s offices in disarray and ceilings partly caving in. The extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
In February, Reporters Without Borders published a report alleging that Russia “deliberately [targets]” journalists. At least 29 Ukrainian journalists and media professionals are currently being detained by Russia.
Viktoria Roshchyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian freelance journalist, died in Russian captivity last year. When her body was eventually returned, it bore numerous signs of torture.
The overall death toll of Thursday’s attack stands at 23, though rubble is still being cleared. The victims include four children, as per Ukrainska Pravda. Dozens more people were injured.
Writing on Telegram, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Aug. 29 a day of mourning for those who died in the attack.
“On this day, flags will be lowered on all municipal buildings in the city.”