Ukraine Charges Russian General for Missile Strike on Reuters Journalists

The Security Service of Ukraine announced on December 20 that it has charged a Russian general in absentia for his involvement in a missile strike targeting a Reuters news crew.

According to the SSU, Colonel-General Alexei Kim, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces, is accused of orchestrating the missile attack on the Sapphire Hotel in Kramatorsk on August 24, 2024. The hotel was occupied solely by civilians.

“Kim personally signed the directive and issued the combat order to target the hotel. To carry out the attack, he deployed one of the missile units under his command. Following his order, subordinates launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile, striking the hotel,” the SSU said.

The strike resulted in the death of one Reuters journalist Ryan Evans and injuries to five others.

SSU investigators have charged Kim with multiple crimes under Ukraine’s Criminal Code, including waging an aggressive war and violating the laws and customs of war.

“Comprehensive measures are ongoing to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice. Every Russian war criminal will be found and punished,” the SBU stated.

Previously, it was reported that Russian forces launched an attack on Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, killing 1 person and injuring 2 in the nearby settlement of Krasnohorivka.