Ukraine: Russian Shelling Injures Anna Myasnikova in Kharkiv
Third woman journalist injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine in 2024
Location: Ukraine, Kharkiv
Date: January 23, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is outraged by continued Russian aggression against civilians, with Nakipilo reporter Anna Myasnikova the latest reporter injured by Russian shelling. The escalation of bombing civilian areas in recent weeks has resulted in several injuries to press workers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost two years ago, 7 women journalists reporting from the frontlines have been killed. The deliberate targeting of journalists in conflict is a war crime. Urgent action is imperative — all attacks on the press must be thoroughly investigated by the International Criminal Court, and those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable. As we extend our heartfelt wishes for Anna Myasnikova's swift recovery, we reiterate the urgent need for global condemnation and justice against such blatant assaults on journalists.
"The explosion happened a few dozen meters away from me. I didn't have the time to get scared, and I didn't immediately understand what was wrong with my leg. I only felt pain,” journalist Anna Myasnikova told Ukrainian media watchdog IMI.
On January 23, 2024, journalist Anna Myasnikova from the local media outlet Nakipilo was struck in the leg by shrapnel in Kharkiv. The airstrike wounded nine people, including a four-year-old child.
Myasnikova was heading home from work and recording a voice message for her work chat at the moment of impact. Her recording captures a second explosion and glass shattering. Taking cover, she administered first aid and awaited the ambulance. Miasnykova suffered shrapnel wounds and a fractured shin. She underwent surgery that night and is currently hospitalized with a plaster cast.
Anna Miasnykova’s injury, January 24, 2024. Photo provided to the IMI by Anna Miasnykova
The Russian attack hit the city center of Ukraine’s second largest city. The area is devoid of military installations, marking another reprehensible act of aggression by Russia against Ukrainian civilians.
The attack on Myasnikova is the third injury of a woman journalist covering the conflict this month. On January 10, 2024, photojournalist Özge Elif Kizil and Violetta-Anastasia Pedorych, a producer from France TV, were also injured in a Russian missile attack on Kharkiv.
In 2023, an alarming seven women journalists were deliberately targeted by Russian strikes while reporting from the frontlines. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, CFWIJ has documented the tragic deaths of five women journalists. Oksana Baulina, Oksana Haidar, Oleksandra Kuvshynova, Vira Hyrych, and Victoria Amelina all lost their lives due to shelling carried out by Russian forces.
These attacks on a journalist are not isolated events but rather components of Russia's broader
strategy to intimidate the press in Ukraine. This strategy encompasses detentions and criminal prosecutions targeting media workers and their families. In response to these actions, CFWIJ, in collaboration with 20 other press freedom organizations, has issued a joint statement. The statement urges international organizations to take action against Russia and hold it accountable for the war crimes committed against journalists.
This latest attack in Kharkiv shows the grave dangers faced by journalists covering the conflict in Ukraine. Journalist Anna Myasnikova's injury joins a distressing series of attacks on media professionals. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom condemns these actions as part of Russia's overarching strategy to silence press workers in Ukraine. We urge the international community to stand in solidarity in safeguarding press freedom during the conflict and demand justice for all journalists assaulted by Russian forces.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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