1+1 Media Statement Regarding Russian Attacks on Reporters During Fulfillment of Editorial Tasks 

In the evening of March 25th, during fulfillment of editorial tasks in Chernihiv Region concerning media coverage of humanitarian route for evacuation of civilians to a safer location, the foreign reporters from English-speaking channel TRT World (Turkey) and TSN special correspondent, Andrii Tsaplienko, awarded with the title of the honorable journalist of Ukraine, who moved as part of civilian humanitarian convoy, were attacked by Russian troops. As a result of this attack, some people were injured. The exact consequences are yet to be assessed.  

"This happened today, on March 25th, around 4:50 p.m., during attack on humanitarian route to Chernihiv. There were many civilians and cars waiting for permission to enter Chernihiv in order to evacuate their family members. The attack started in around 15 minutes after the unmanned aircraft identified a crowd of people. First, they fired from Smerch MLRS, then from 122-gauge artillery, and finally from mortars and tanks. The shelling lasted for at least 1,5 hours. The film crew of the English-speaking TRT World channel was there together with me. Although my colleagues are experienced military reporters, they were shocked. It was the first time they were covered by such a powerful shelling. They were also shocked by the cruelty of Russian troops towards civilians. Currently I’m safe, getting my infusion at the hospital. The medics say that it’s a five-score wound, meaning I got lucky and gonna be fine”, Andrii Tsaplienko tells. 

Moreover, around a week ago TSN film crew was caught by artillery fire opened by Russian troops in Kyiv Region.

The number of cases, when the Russian forces deliberately exterminate civilians – including children, healthcare workers, reporters, utility engineers, et cetera – Is growing every day. Unfortunately, this kind of actions has turned into customary practice for Russian troops. Dozens of innocent people are dying daily, while the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the real genocide on the territory of Ukraine. The enemy has no mercy and destroys everything on its way. Dozens of towns and villages are in terrible danger, while hundreds of thousands of people are taken as hostages by the war criminals.

1+1 media calls on the international community to break the wall of silence and highlight the abuse and torment daily suffered by Ukrainians due to the actions of Russian military. Please, raise the public awareness and fight atrocious Russian propaganda. Today, the Russian Federation is a threat for entire world, and it is our common duty to prevent further crimes against reports and millions of innocent people! Ukraine desperately needs the ceasefire.

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