The Investigative Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case concerning the attempted murder and obstruction of a journalist following the wounding of VGTRK military correspondent Evgeniy Poddubny in the Kursk region. The official representative of the Investigative Committee, Svetlana Petrenko, reported that Poddubny was targeted by the Ukrainian armed forces despite being unarmed and not participating in hostilities.
On August 7, Poddubny was injured in a drone attack while covering the ongoing situation in the Kursk region. He had previously reported on the deliberate destruction of gas stations by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in border settlements, aimed at complicating civilian evacuations. The attack left him in serious condition with severe burns and head injuries.
According to military correspondent Alexander Kots, Poddubny's vehicle was struck by a kamikaze drone as he and his crew were driving towards Sudzha. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the explosion occurred after machine gun fire was heard, suggesting that Russian soldiers attempted to intercept the drone. Following the incident, Poddubny was stabilized by local doctors before being transferred to Moscow for further treatment.
In a message after the attack, Poddubny expressed gratitude towards the medical staff, stating, 'Wonderful doctors. In general, they do an excellent job. Thank you for worrying about me. We will definitely win. Victory will be ours!' Meanwhile, Rodion Miroshnik from the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the attack a war crime and the Russian permanent mission to the UN demanded condemnation of the assault on the journalist.
- The incident has sparked international outrage, with the Russian government calling for a strong response from the United Nations against the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The attack highlights the ongoing dangers faced by journalists covering conflicts, as they often become targets amidst military operations.
- Poddubny's case is not isolated; many journalists have faced threats and violence in war zones, raising concerns about press freedom and the safety of media personnel in conflict areas. The call for accountability and protection for journalists is crucial in ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear of retribution.
