Russian Strike Hits Hotel in Kramatorsk, Injuring Four and One Killed

A Russian missile strike on the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk has resulted in four injuries and left at least one person missing. The attack, which occurred on the night of August 24, targeted the hotel where a group of journalists was staying.

The missile, reportedly an Iskander-M, struck the two-story building around 10:35 p.m. local time, causing significant damage. Among the injured are journalists from Reuters, including citizens of Ukraine, the U.S., Latvia, and Germany. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate a missing journalist from the U.K., who is believed to be trapped under the debris.

Vadym Filashkin, Governor of Donetsk Region, confirmed that emergency services are using heavy machinery to assist in debris clearance and rescue efforts. The Ukrainian General Prosecutor’s Office has launched a pre-trial investigation into the attack, which has been classified as a war crime under international law.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strike as a “barbaric war crime.” Georgiy Tykhyi, a spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasized that the attack on a civilian area housing journalists reflects a systematic tactic of the Russian military. “Such barbaric war crimes must be condemned, prosecuted, and punished,” Tykhyi stated.

The Ukrainian General Prosecutor’s Office has launched a pre-trial investigation into the attack, which has been classified as a war crime under international law. The investigation will assess the strike’s impact and hold those responsible accountable.

Additionally, reports indicate that on the morning of August 25, Russian forces killed one person in the Ukrainian village of Selydove and injured another in Lozove. The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment.