The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) have condemned the extensive Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that occurred overnight on May 24, resulting in damage to several media offices and studios.
According to an IFJ press release, six media organizations reported damage to their facilities. The strikes also affected journalists and their families, with some individuals losing their homes as a result.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger and EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutierrez denounced this latest Russian attack on Ukraine and its capital. They stated,
“Indiscriminate missile and drone attacks are yet another blow to the conditions necessary for independent journalism and the public’s right to access information. We express our full solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues and call for accountability for Russian crimes committed against journalists and media organizations.”
Earlier, Serhiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), reported that at least six media offices sustained damage from the overnight strikes. He noted that journalists and their families were among those affected, including the news agency UNIAN, German representatives Deutsche Welle and ARD, the publication Real Gazette, the online media project Shelter, and the editorial team of the publication Grati.
Tomilenko remarked,
“The Russian attack has once again impacted the infrastructure that ensures the public’s right to access independent information. NUJU is documenting crimes against journalists and media, informing international partners—including the European and International Federations of Journalists, as well as human rights and media organizations—and insisting on an appropriate international response and accountability for Russia.”
He also mentioned that, if necessary, journalists and editorial teams could use the Kyiv Center for Journalistic Solidarity at the NUJU office on Khreshchatyk as a temporary workspace.
On the night of May 24, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russian troops launched 90 missiles and 600 drones of various types towards Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones. The primary target of the assault was Kyiv, where damage was recorded in several districts, resulting in casualties and over 90 injuries.
In response to the extensive strikes, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Kyiv is convening an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, as well as a joint summit of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation and the Permanent Council of the organization.
The IFJ and EFJ have condemned the recent Russian strikes on media offices in Kyiv, highlighting the impact on independent journalism and the safety of journalists. The Ukrainian government is responding with calls for international accountability and convening a UN Security Council meeting.