Russian media reports VGTRK filming crew coming under fire near Kreminna

Artyom Yundas, Denis Shum. Photo – Rossiya 1 screenshot, social media, edit by the IMI

The Luhansk branch of the Russian VGTRK, which was established by the Russians in the occupied part of the Luhansk oblast, says that their propagandists came under fire near Kreminna, reports the Telegram channel "Vesti Luhansk".

"Cameraman Denis Shum was wounded in the leg, he was handed over to paramedics. Correspondent Artyom Yundas had a concussion," the post reads.

It should be noted that in the photo posted by the Telegram channel Artyom Yundas is wearing a bulletproof vest and a green helmet. According to Oksana Romaniuk, director of the Institute of Mass Information, this is unacceptable for journalists, as it makes them look like combatants. A media worker's body armor should be blue.

We remind you that no independent media operate in Ukraine's occupied territories. The Russian troops destroyed Ukrainian media offices, tortured and persecuted journalists as they occupied municipalities.

According to the IMI, 83 media workers have been killed by Russians in 2014 – 2024. 76 media workers died after the start of the full-scale invasion, 10 dying in the line of work and 66 more being killed in action or by Russian shelling or torture.