Kremlin persecution of journalists in Ukraine: RSF files landmark complaint with the ICC for crimes against humanity

The Kremlin has been deliberately targeting media professionals in Ukrainesince the war in Donbas and the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and this has severely ramped up since the start of the full-scale invasion. Russian strikes have bombed hotels where journalists live and workandreporters have been murdered, killed in drone attacks, arrested, deported and jailed. According to RSF data as of 10 February 2026, over 175 news professionals, Ukrainian and foreign reporters alike, have fallen victim to Russian abuses since 24 February 2022.

Journalists targeted by the Kremlin: an attack every 11 days

According to RSF data, since 24 February 2022, one or more media professionals operating in Ukraine have been attacked by Russian forces once every 11 days on average. This list of abuses notably includes:

• 16 Ukrainian and foreign journalists killedwhile carrying out their work, who were victims of Russian fire and/or targeted drone attacks;
• 53 reporters injured while reporting;
• at least 83 attempted homicides against media professionals in Ukraine who came under Russian fire but were not wounded;
• 26 Ukrainian journalists still detainedin 2026. All were deported far from their region of originto Russia or other occupied territories of Ukraine. They have been subjected to ill-treatment and unjust convictions. Ukrainian reporter Victoria Roshchynadied in detention in Russia, thousands of kilometres from home, after being tortured. Her body was returned to Ukraine mutilated, with no explanation from the Kremlin.

Systematic attacks on media infrastructure

RSF has recorded at least 25 attacks by Russian forces on television and radio towers in Ukraine since 2022, including eight in the first ten days of the full-scale war. These attacks resulted in casualties: Ukrainian cameraman Yevhenii Sakun was the first reporter killed after 24 February 2022 during the bombing of Kyiv's television tower. Strikes on these facilities aim to deprive the local population of information and increase disorientation amid the chaos of war.

Russian forces have also targeted hotels housing journalists in northern, eastern and southern Ukraine. According to the report produced by RSF and the Ukrainian organisation Truth Hounds"Last Check-In: The Russian strikes on Ukrainian hotels silencing the press," 24 hotels known for being hubs for journalists were targeted by Russian attacks, mostly at night and near the front line. Twenty-five media professionals were caught up in these bombardments, leaving at least seven wounded and one dead.

Legal action taken by RSF

Since 24 February 2022, RSF has filed ten other complaints for war crimescommitted by Russia with the ICC, nine complaints before the Ukrainian courts, and two in France. The NGO has contributed to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's gradual establishment of a criminal justice policy addressing war crimes against journalists, with 127 preliminary investigations launched since 24 February 2022.

RSF data is documented in real time and may be updated. If you have information to share with RSF regarding abuses against journalists or the media in connection with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, you can contact us securely at [email protected]