Ukraine’s SBU Security Service has identified Russian General Aleksei Kim as the person responsible for the deadly attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk that killed and injured journalists from the international news agency Reuters on Aug. 24, 2024.
Kim, who serves as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, has been charged in absentia for his role in the attack. The strike, carried out with an Iskander-M ballistic missile, resulted in the death of one Reuters employee and injuries to five others.
According to the investigation, Kim signed a directive and issued a combat order to strike the Sapphire Hotel, which was solely occupied by civilians. The SBU noted that Kim involved one of his subordinate missile units to carry out the attack.
The missile strike completely destroyed the civilian building, injuring an additional five civilians besides the Reuters journalists.
The SBU has charged Kim in absentia under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 437 (waging an aggressive war)
- Part 2 of Article 438 (violation of the laws and customs of war)
Comprehensive measures are currently underway to bring the Russian general to justice.
Earlier, journalist Volodymyr Runets reported that Reuters photographer Ivan Lubysh-Kirdey, who was injured in the attack, is gradually recovering. According to hospital information, he can now move around the ward independently and is actively communicating with medical staff.
The Russian strike on the Sapphire Hotel in Kramatorsk also injured journalist Dan Peleschuk and killed Reuters safety advisor and former British military officer Ryan Evans.
“Comprehensive measures are currently underway to bring the Russian general to justice.”
Bring on the scooter!
With a bomb under the scooter
Or the hammer of justice.