Russia's attacks on hotels aim to disrupt war coverage

This is stated in the report by Reporters Without Borders.

The report mentions that at least 25 media representatives have been affected by these attacks, including those who were injured or killed. For example, one of the attacks killed Reuters journalist Ryan Evans.

The report notes that from 2022 to 2025, the number of Russian attacks on hotels has significantly increased: in 2022, 8 cases were recorded, while in 2024, there were at least 14, most of which occurred after August. In the first two months of 2025, another four attacks were reported. In total, at least 25 hotels have been targeted.

Researchers argue that these attacks were not accidental. Instead, they show signs of a systematic, deliberate, and repeated tactic. Most of the targeted hotels housed journalists, humanitarian mission members, government officials on business trips, and internally displaced persons. Although military personnel may have been present in such hotels, their presence was neither regular nor organized.

Russian army mostly carried out these attacks at night, using Iskander missiles, and primarily targeted front-line cities. In particular, Kryvyi Rih was frequently targeted in 2024–2025. Experts believe that the goal of these attacks is to create fear and uncertainty for journalists and humanitarian workers, complicate their work, and restrict access to information and the documentation of war crimes.

Meanwhile, Russian propaganda attempts to justify these attacks by claiming that "foreign mercenaries" were allegedly staying in the hotels. This rhetoric is used to legitimize the attacks in the public space, despite the lack of verified evidence.

The report also mentions that the Ukrainian army has carried out at least eight attacks on hotels located in temporarily occupied territories. In at least four of these cases, the presence of Russian soldiers has been confirmed. According to international humanitarian law, such objects are considered legitimate targets. One striking example is the attack on a hotel in occupied Berdyansk in July 2023, which resulted in the elimination of Russian General Oleg Tsokov.

Ukrainian and international journalists working in combat zones report that the attacks on hotels by the occupying Russian forces have significantly complicated their working conditions. They note that planning trips has become much harder, risks have increased, and psychological stress has intensified.

Overall, the study points to an attempt at systematic pressure on independent war reporting and Russia's efforts to limit the presence of international observers and documenters, which could have serious consequences for the documentation of war crimes and future justice.

• On March 5, the occupying Russian forces launched a missile attack on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in casualties.