Media mission under fire: how a German crew became victims of a Russian drone attack in Dnipropetrovsk region
In October this year, a tragic incident occurred in the Dnipropetrovsk region that once again highlights the dangers faced by Ukrainian journalists and international media representatives during war coverage.
A filming crew from the German publication Welt, engaged in filming in an open field, fell victim to a Russian Lancet drone strike.
This attack resulted in the death of one Ukrainian soldier and serious injuries to three others.
Details show that on October 13 at around 9:35 PM local time, near the Dnipropetrovsk region approximately 25-30 kilometers from the front line, the team was filming close to a Ukrainian military unit when the drone attacked the military vehicle they were accompanying.
The group’s operator, Viktor Lysenkо, recorded the moment of impact and the aftermath.
As a consequence of the explosion, 48-year-old Ukrainian anti-aircraft unit soldier died, and another soldier sustained severe injuries, leading to the amputation of his leg.
Producer Ivan from Welt was wounded in both legs by shrapnel and received emergency medical treatment.
Lead reporter Ibrahim Naber and cameraman Viktor Lysenkо were lightly injured.
All media team members bore press markings during the filming.
Amid heightened regional tensions, with incidents like the October 3 death of French photographer Antoni Lallikan in Donetsk region due to a drone attack, and his colleague being seriously wounded, this new tragedy underscores the risks faced by reporters in conflict zones.
These events emphasize the importance of increased safety measures for media personnel and accountable actions to prevent deadly incidents during war coverage.