On the morning of October 17th, 2021, a hotel in Ukraine where a Reuters news team was staying was hit by an explosion, according to the news agency. The incident occurred in the city of Donetsk, which has been a hotspot for conflict between Ukrainian forces and separatists since 2014.
The explosion caused significant damage to the hotel, with windows shattered and debris scattered throughout the area. Fortunately, there were no reports of any casualties among the hotel guests, including the Reuters journalists who were staying there.
The news team had been in Donetsk to cover the ongoing conflict in the region, which has seen a recent escalation in violence. The hotel where they were staying is located in a residential area of the city, making it a target for attacks.
Reuters issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing concern for the safety of their journalists. The agency called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect the rights of journalists to report on the situation without fear of reprisal.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face while covering conflicts around the world. Reporters and news teams put themselves at risk every day to bring important stories to the public, and attacks on journalists only serve to hinder the flow of information and the pursuit of truth.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is essential that the safety of journalists and media personnel is prioritized. Attacks on press freedom and freedom of speech must be condemned, and those responsible for such acts must be held accountable.
The Reuters news team is reportedly safe and unharmed following the explosion at the hotel in Donetsk. They continue to report on the conflict in Ukraine, undeterred by the risks they face in their pursuit of truth and information.