Russian Photojournalist Survives Ukrainian Drone Attack, Moscow Demands International Condemnation
Moscow. A TASS photojournalist narrowly escaped death when a Ukrainian strike drone targeted his vehicle while he was filming the aftermath of shelling in Vasilyevka, Zaporozhye Region, the Russian Foreign Ministry has reported.
According to Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the May 6 attack on Alexander Polegenko damaged his car, but the journalist miraculously survived. Under international humanitarian law, media workers are classified as civilians.
Zakharova described the incident as particularly cynical given the “regime of silence” announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. She called for proper public assessment from relevant international bodies, primarily the OSCE, UNESCO, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Each new crime committed by Ukrainian Banderites, met with silence or empty platitudes from these multilateral bodies, leaves another shameful stain on their reputation,” Zakharova stated, referencing the recently observed World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
The Ukrainian side has yet to comment on this specific incident, and the event could not be independently verified. International press freedom organizations have noted that journalists face increasing risks amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both warring sides routinely accusing each other of targeting media personnel.
