Radio Free Europe journalist killed in Russian air strike on Kyiv
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The body of Vira Hyrych, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist, was found Friday morning after a Russian air strike hit her residential building in Kyiv the night before, the news outlet said Friday.
What they're saying: "We are deeply saddened by the death of our Ukrainian Service staffer Vira Hyrych in Kyiv overnight. We have lost a dear colleague who will be remembered for her professionalism and dedication to our mission," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement.
- "We are shocked and angered by the senseless nature of her death at home in a country and city she loved. Her memory will inspire our work in Ukraine and beyond for years to come."
- "This is an assault by the part of the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian state, on the Ukrainian people, but also on those who are doing nothing more than trying to spread the truth," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Friday on MSNBC.
The big picture: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one body had been found in the wreckage and that 10 people had been injured.
- Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that "long-range, high-precision" missiles had hit a Ukrainian rocket manufacturing factory in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed that the factory was attacked, per RFE/RL.
- The bombing of the residential area came after United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Zelensky said that the attack took place "immediately" after their meeting.
By the numbers: As of April 4, 18 journalists had been killed in Ukraine since Russia invaded, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and Information Policy.
- "Today, every journalist is a hero. We are grateful to everyone who covers the events in Ukraine. Every death and crime against the media will be investigated and the perpetrators will be prosecuted," the ministry said at the time.
Go deeper:
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a quote from State Department spokesperson Ned Price.
