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Russian Journalist Killed in Drone Strike Near Donetsk

Russian journalist Alexander Martemyanov, a freelance correspondent for Izvestiya newspaper, was killed in a targeted drone strike near Donetsk, with several other journalists sustaining injuries, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The incident occurred as a team of war correspondents was returning from Gorlovka, where they had been documenting the aftermath of recent shelling of civilian areas. Their vehicle was reportedly struck by an explosive-laden kamikaze drone, resulting in Martemyanov’s death and injuries to at least four others, including RIA Novosti reporters Mikhail Kevkhiev and Maxim Romanenko.

The attack took place away from the line of active hostilities, leading Russian officials to assert that the media personnel were deliberately targeted. Survivors’ accounts further support this claim.

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to Martemyanov’s family, colleagues, and other media professionals working in the conflict zone. “We strongly condemn this brutal attack and extend our sympathies to those affected, wishing a swift recovery to the injured,” said Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova described the incident as part of a broader pattern of violence against Russian journalists, accusing Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting media personnel. She further criticized international organizations, including UNESCO, the OSCE, and the OHCHR, for failing to adequately address such attacks.

The statement specifically referenced a recent UNESCO draft report on journalist safety, arguing it overlooked casualties among Russian reporters. Zakharova called on UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to respond more firmly to the latest incident.

“The murder of Alexander Martemyanov demands a clear and direct response from global human rights bodies. Attempts to avoid condemning the perpetrators by hiding behind vague statements will not be seen as sufficient,” she stated.

The Russian Foreign Ministry vowed to hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing that all involved in the attack would face justice. International watchdogs have yet to issue statements regarding the incident.

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