Ukraine: Russian Strike Kills Novelist Victoria Amelina and Injures Renowned Photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind in Kramatorsk
The Coalition For Women In Journalism commends the courageous women for their unwavering commitment to the public interest, even at the risk of their own lives
Location: Kramatorsk, Ukraine
Date: June 27, 2023
A Russian missile strike on Pizza RIA in Kramatorsk city center injured British freelance photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind and Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina who tragically lost her life on Saturday, July 1 due to the serious injuries sustained. We urge the international community to take decisive action by imposing stricter sanctions on Russia.
“I felt hot air and the sound of breaking glass and debris flying, clattering, and tinkering. It went on and on and on,” said Taylor-Lind, vividly recalling the harrowing experience.
On the evening of June 27, Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region experienced two missile strikes conducted by Russian invasion forces using the Iskander missile system. The targeted area was Pizza RIA, a restaurant in the city center, bustling with numerous people at the time. Tragically, the strikes have resulted in eleven confirmed fatalities so far. In addition, 60 people sustained injuries as a consequence of the attack.
According to Taylor-Lind, she and a colleague took immediate action by sliding off their chairs and seeking refuge in the basement, fearing the possibility of another strike. During the ordeal, both individuals sustained injuries and were bleeding. Fortunately, a compassionate wait staff member assisted them by washing the blood off Taylor-Lind's face and aiding her colleague.
Taylor-Lind recounted the harrowing experience of emerging from the basement only to find the restaurant transformed into a chaotic scene of shattered glass and twisted metal. The sound of approaching ambulances was notably absent, adding to the aftermath's sense of urgency and desperation.
At the time of the strike, Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina was dining in the company of France 24 correspondent Catalina Gómez. Gómez, who was gathering information for a project in support of Ukraine, escaped unharmed, with no injuries reported, while unfortunately, Amelina endured grievous wounds which resulted in the devastating loss of her life.
Disturbing scenes unfolded as videos captured a fierce fire engulfing a severely damaged building, billowing thick black smoke into the sky. Amidst debris-strewn streets, dedicated rescuers tended to the injured while sirens blared in the background. Ukraine's emergency services reported that it took nearly three hours for firefighters to successfully extinguish the blaze, highlighting the challenging nature of the situation.
Anastasia Taylor-Lind
Anastasia Taylor-Lind, a talented photojournalist from England and Sweden, has established herself as a prominent figure in the field. She has collaborated with leading editorial publications worldwide, focusing on various topics, including women's issues, population dynamics, and the grim realities of war. Taylor-Lind has contributed to National Geographic Magazine and lent her skills to renowned publications such as TIME, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian.
Victoria Amelina
Victoria Amelina, a renowned Ukrainian author, and prominent public figure, has made significant contributions to the literary world. She garnered recognition as the recipient of the esteemed Joseph Conrad-Kozenyovsky Literary Prize. In 2016, Amelina's literary prowess was further acknowledged when two of her works, the novel "Autumn Syndrome, or Homo Compatiens" and the children's book "Someone, or The Water Heart," emerged as finalists in the prestigious "Zaporizhzhya Book Spindle - 2016" festival competition.
Catalina Gómez
Catalina Gómez is an accomplished journalist in Tehran, specializing in the Middle East and Iran. With a keen focus on politics, social issues, and cultural affairs, she has been at the forefront of covering significant events in the region over the past decade. Gómez's exceptional work has earned her prestigious accolades, such as the Simon Bolivar Prize of Journalism in 2017 and the CPB Prize for Best Foreign Correspondent in 2014 and 2017.
The Harrowing Reality of Reporting from War Zones
On March 14, 2022, with great sorrow, CFWIJ documented the death of Fox News Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra (Alexandra) Kuvshynova, who was fatally struck by incoming fire from Russian troops near the village of Horenka outside Kyiv. Her dedication to reporting and pursuit of truth will be remembered and honored.
On March 23, 2022, CFWIJ mourned the tragic loss of Oksana Baulina, a Russian reporter fatally struck by a rocket during her assignment in Kyiv. Baulina's untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the risks journalists face while covering conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of journalists working in dangerous environments.
On April 29, 2022, CFWIJ reported the tragedy when Vira Hyrych, a dedicated journalist associated with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in Kyiv, was found deceased. This devastating incident occurred a day after Russian forces targeted the residential building where she resided in the Ukrainian capital. Her loss is a profound blow to the journalism community.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism mourns the untimely death of Victoria Amelina and expresses deep condolences to the grieving families who have lost their loved ones. We share profound distress over the injuries sustained by Anastasia Taylor-Lind. We strongly denounce the assault by Russia on Kramatorsk and call upon the global community to enforce more stringent sanctions against the aggressor.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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