Ukraine: Russian Shelling Injures Yuliya Kiriyenko While Reporting From Frontline
Kiriyenko sustained a mild concussion for which she received medical attention
Location: Ukraine, Donetsk
Date: July 19, 2023
Yuliya Kiriyenko, a TSN correspondent, sustained a mild concussion while reporting from Ukraine's Donetsk region. She was covering the Russian offensive on Kupiansk and Lyman when shelling by a Russian tank injured the journalist. The Coalition For Women In Journalism vehemently condemns the Russian aggression; intentionally targeting journalists constitutes a war crime.
On July 19, journalist Yuliya Kiriyenko reported on Facebook she sustained a mild concussion while reporting on the front line in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Kiriyenko, who works for TSN, a well-known news program of Ukraine's private 1+1 TV channel, was documenting a Russian offensive targeting the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman when the shelling started.
The reporter says they were aiming at the journalists. “We experienced five devastating impacts, two specifically targeting the dugout where we sought refuge,” Kiriyenko says. “Luckily, taking advantage of their weapon reloading, we swiftly evacuated using a vehicle, escaping the intense shelling."
“We experienced five devastating impacts, two specifically targeting the dugout where we sought refuge”
Back in June, Russian shelling on Kramatorsk, Donetsk killed Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina and injured British freelance photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind.
Luckily, Yuliya Kiriyenko only sustained a concussion from the shots fired and has received medical attention at a nearby military medical facility.
Kiriyenko is an experienced war correspondent who has dedicated her work to reporting from the front line since 2014, capturing the unfolding events in various hot spots. This is not the first time the reporter has been under fire. In March 2022, Kiriyenko and camera[erson Volodymyr Rybachok encountered an intense artillery attack by Russian forces in Kyiv.
CFWIJ has been diligently monitoring the media landscape in Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion. We are profoundly impressed by the unwavering commitment and courage displayed by journalists who continuously put themselves at risk to provide accurate information and shed light on the realities of those living in such challenging circumstances. CFWIJ recognizes and appreciates their invaluable contributions to informing the public during difficult times.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands resolutely alongside Yuliya Kiriyenko, lauding her unwavering courage and dedication in reporting from the perilous frontlines. We commend her for fearlessly pursuing the truth in the face of danger and adversity. We send her heartfelt wishes for a fast and complete recuperation, hoping to see her back on the frontline to continue her vital work. Moreover, we vehemently condemn the Russian aggression that has resulted in Kiriyenko's injury and countless other hardships endured by those in Ukraine. We firmly denounce the war crimes, which endanger journalists and undermine press freedom in the pursuit of truth.
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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