On 24 August 2024, Reuters security adviser Ryan Evans was killed in a Russian attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, according to a statement published by Reuters and information provided by Ukrainian authorities. Three journalists were also wounded in the same attack (see separate alert).
In a statement, Reuters said that its journalists staying at the hotel were part of a six-person team covering the war in Ukraine. Aside from Ryan Evans, Reuters did not reveal the identities or other details related to those present on-site. According to Ukrainian officials, the Hotel Sapphire was “probably” struck by an Iskander-type missile and “destroyed” at around 10.30 p.m. local time. Eight casualties were reported in total, the Donetsk regional prosecutor’s office later reported. Russian authorities are not known to have commented on the incident.
Evans, a former British soldier, had been working with Reuters since 2022 and advised its journalists on safety around the world including in Ukraine, Israel and at the Paris Olympics. He was 38.
“We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to Ryan’s family and loved ones. Ryan has helped so many of our journalists cover events around the world; we will miss him terribly,” Reuters said in its statement.
UPDATE: On 20 December 2024, the office of Ukraine’s Prosecutor-General reported that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had identified Russian colonel general Alexey Kim as the person responsible for handing the order to carry out a missile strike on Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk on 24 August 2024. As a result, Kim was charged with war crimes, namely violating Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 437 and Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which penalize “waging a war of aggression” and “violating the laws and customs of war”.