Russian Drone Strikes Kyiv Newsroom of We Are Ukraine TV Channel
At least five injured in the attack during a live broadcast.
1Attack During Live Broadcast
A Russian drone struck the Kyiv newsroom of TV channel We Are Ukraine (My Ukraina) on September 8 while it was live on air. The channel was broadcasting the United News telethon, a joint newscast Ukrainian channels have shared since the invasion. The attack caused significant damage to the newsroom and staff offices.
2Casualties and Damage
At least five people were injured in the drone strike, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that the number could rise. The building was partly destroyed, and rescuers evacuated two people from the upper floors. Firefighters worked to put out the blaze caused by the attack.
3Timing of the Attack
The strike occurred in the middle of a working day, with journalists at their desks. This contrasts with previous Russian strikes on Ukrainian newsrooms, which typically happened at night when buildings were empty. The attack came hours after a mass overnight assault on Kyiv.
4Second Strike in Three Weeks
This was the second strike on the We Are Ukraine newsroom in three weeks. An earlier attack on August 20 caused serious damage but no injuries. The repeated targeting of media infrastructure highlights the ongoing threats faced by Ukrainian journalists.
5Condemnation from IPI
The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned the attack on We Are Ukraine. IPI's Ukraine War Press Freedom Tracker has recorded 10 attacks on Ukrainian media infrastructure since January 2026. These attacks underscore the challenges to press freedom in the region.
6Impact on Media Operations
The drone strike disrupted the live broadcast of the United News telethon, a critical source of information for Ukrainians during the war. The attack raises concerns about the safety of journalists and the ability of media outlets to operate under such threats.
7Historical Context
Russian strikes on Ukrainian media infrastructure have been a recurring tactic since the invasion began. These attacks aim to disrupt communication and spread fear among journalists. The targeting of newsrooms during working hours marks a dangerous escalation.
8Call for Protection
The attack on We Are Ukraine highlights the urgent need for greater protection of media workers in conflict zones. Ensuring the safety of journalists is essential for maintaining press freedom and providing accurate information to the public during times of crisis.
Original article: linkedin.com — Russian Drone Strikes Kyiv Newsroom of We Are Ukraine TV Channel