Member of British journalist team dies after Russian missile hits Ukraine hotel
NBCAug 20
Reuters Safety Advisor Killed in Eastern Ukraine
Above: A fireman inspects the damage after a missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 21, 2024. Image copyright: Adri Salido/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Ryan Evans, a safety advisor for the Reuters news agency, was killed after a missile struck a hotel in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk on Saturday. The city is roughly 12 miles (20 km) from the frontlines in Donetsk.
Evans, a 38-year-old former British soldier who worked with Reuters since 2022, was part of a six-man team staying at the Hotel Sapphire, the agency said, adding that two additional members of staff were taken to hospital with their injuries — one of them seriously injured.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russian terror attacks continue to target Ukrainian civilians, as well as the country's energy facilities. Ukraine needs permission to use long-range weapons on Russian territory so it can take out Russia's ability to conduct attacks of this nature.
Pro-Russia narrative
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are a direct consequence of the failure of the country's leadership to meaningfully engage in peace talks and thinking they can defeat Russia on the battlefield. These attacks will stop once a more sober position is reached.