Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, local and foreign journalists in Ukraine have been subjected to Russian shelling even in their hotels where they stay, which is a deliberate strategy, according to a new report by “Reporters Without Borders” (RSF) and the Ukrainian human rights organization Truth Hounds (TH).
Human rights activists believe that Russian military intentionally target hotels to disrupt journalists' work.
Russian troops have carried out 31 strikes on 25 Ukrainian hotels, mostly in regions near the front line. Only one of these hotels was used for military purposes, while all others hosted civilian guests, including journalists. Moreover, attacks on hotels where journalists stay have increased. In 2022, there were eight strikes, in 2023 — five, in 2024 — 14, and already four in the first two months of this year. In August 2024, a security advisor for the news agency Reuters, Ryan Evans, was killed in a shelling. A total of 25 journalists were caught in such shellings, with at least seven of them injured.
No less than 15 strikes were carried out using Russian “Iskander 9K720” missiles, known for their high precision — some models have an error margin of only 20 meters.
“Russian strikes on hotels where journalists stay in Ukraine are neither accidental nor chaotic. The buildings targeted are not 'Ukrainian military bases,' and journalists are not 'mercenaries,' contrary to the cynical disinformation rhetoric persistently promoted at all levels of the Russian state and pro-Kremlin structures. These attacks are an important part of a terror strategy aimed at suppressing war coverage. By targeting civilian infrastructure, they violate international humanitarian law norms and qualify as war crimes. Those responsible must be held accountable,” says RSF's regional manager for Ukraine, Pauline Mofre.
This strategy of the Russian army has changed the working conditions for Ukrainian and foreign journalists. According to a survey conducted by RSF and TH, since 2023, 64% of Ukrainian journalists and 43% of foreign correspondents avoid staying in hotels near the front line. 13% of all surveyed journalists were forced to reduce or suspend their trips to these regions. 64% of Ukrainian and international journalists reported logistical difficulties in preparing reports, including issues related to accessing safe accommodation.
Media personnel at the front are forced to use unmarked vehicles, remove “Press” badges from their bulletproof vests, and disable geolocation on their devices. Editorial offices, in turn, limit the number of nights reporters can stay in hotels and try to accommodate them in private sectors. Journalists are also sometimes prohibited from traveling to certain zones.