RIA Novosti military correspondent Ivan Zuev died in Zaporizhia region in an attack by the armed forces of Ukraine, and another journalist - Yuriy Voitkevich - was injured, reported MIA "Russia Today", quoted by TASS and BTA.
"Military correspondent Ivan Zuev died in Zaporizhia region while carrying out a journalistic assignment, military correspondent Yuriy Voitkevich was seriously injured. Zuev died as a result of a Ukrainian drone strike,“ the statement said.
Ivan Zuev has worked in various directions of the special military operation, including in Donetsk and Zaporizhia, since 2022. Yuriy Voitkevich has been covering the Ukrainian conflict since the middle of the last decade, having also worked in areas close to the Donetsk front.
Zuev's death is another example of the high price paid by journalists working in conflict zones, simply trying to do their job, the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric told RIA Novosti.
Dmitry Kiselev, executive director of the International Media Group “Russia Today“, expressed his condolences and called Zuev a brave, courageous and talented journalist.
Ivan Zuev worked at RIA Novosti for several years, and his professionalism has been repeatedly recognized with departmental and state awards. In March, he received a presidential commendation.
Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the media group “Russia Today“ and the RT television channel, wished a speedy recovery to the wounded war correspondent Voitkevich.
Yuri Voitkevich has been working for RIA Novosti for many years and has covered armed conflicts in hot spots. He was awarded the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland“ second degree.