KYIV — On 8 September 2026,russian occupying forces launched another attack on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and independent media. In the middle of the day, an enemy drone struck a building in Kyiv housing the newsrooms of the "My—Ukraine" and "My—Ukraine+" television channels.
The strike hit while journalists were at their workplaces, broadcasting the national "United News" telethon. According to preliminary reports, at least five media workers were injured, with severity ranging from minor to serious. The direct hit completely destroyed the newsroom and staff offices where reporters carried out their professional duties every day.
The Committee on Freedom of Speech emphasizes that this was neither an accident nor collateral damage. It represents a deliberate, targeted effort to harm Ukrainian journalists, destroy media infrastructure, and intimidate the information front of the Ukrainian state. Notably, this is the second attack on this media center in the past two weeks — the previous one occurred on the night of 20 August 2026.
Journalists and other media workers carrying out their professional duties in the context of armed conflict are protected under international humanitarian law. Deliberately striking civilians and civilian objects, absent military necessity and in violation of international humanitarian law, may constitute a war crime. Such attacks are further evidence of the russian Federation's cynical disregard for international law.
We extend our sincere support to the teams of "My—Ukraine" and "My—Ukraine+" and wish a swift recovery to all injured colleagues. Their professionalism and resilience — which allowed them to keep broadcasting even in such critical moments — stand as a true example of courage.
The Committee on Freedom of Speech calls on:
- The international community, the United Nations, and UNESCO — to immediately and firmly condemn this attack on Ukrainian journalists and media infrastructure.
- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and other relevant organizations — to properly document this attack, draw international attention to it, and increase pressure on the aggressor state.
- The International Criminal Court — to take into account the relevant materials and information on this attack as part of its investigation into international crimes committed by the russian Federation in Ukraine, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under international law.
russian terror will not succeed in silencing Ukrainian media. The world must act decisively to stop the systematic destruction of freedom of speech and democratic values in the heart of Europe.