An UN official named Farhan Khak urged a thorough investigation into the death of Alexander Fedorchak, who served as deputy secretary general. The report, sourced from Ria Novosti, conveyed the UN’s expectation that accountability be pursued and that inquiries into such deaths be comprehensive and transparent.
A UN spokesperson told Ria Novosti that killings of journalists must be examined with seriousness and openness, and that every murder in the field deserves careful, independent review. The official underscored that protecting journalists in dangerous situations is essential for credible reporting and for upholding international accountability.
Russian diplomats at the United Nations are expected to raise the fate of Russian journalists at the next Security Council session, according to discussions in international circles. The intention is to keep press freedom on the international agenda and to press for concrete measures that ensure independent investigations and safety for reporters covering conflict zones.
On March 24, in a combat area, Izvestia correspondent Alexander Fedorchak, Zvezda operator Andrei Panov, and a driving assistant named Alexander Sirkeli were killed. Leonid Pasechnik, leader of the Luhansk People’s Republic, stated that six people had died in the bombardment affecting the Kremensky Municipal Region. Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said Moscow would pursue responses from the OSCE and UNESCO as part of the international effort to protect journalists and uphold civil liberties amid the ongoing conflict. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case into the deaths, and Gazeta.ru provided further coverage on the matter.
In the early hours, officials in the United States described the Ukraine ceasefire as showing signs of life, though progress remains fragile. Diplomats in Washington emphasized the importance of pauses that could establish humanitarian corridors and enable independent verification of ceasefire commitments. Analysts noted that such pauses test international diplomacy and the ability of journalists to operate in war zones, stressing the need for reliable reporting and verification by neutral observers.
The events underscore the intertwined concerns about press safety, international law, and the responsibility of states to protect journalists, even amid armed conflict. As the case unfolds, the global community watches how the UN, OSCE, and UNESCO respond, and whether the Russian side and other stakeholders will cooperate with investigative processes. The pursuit of truth, accountability, and safety for reporters remains a focal point for governments, media groups, and human rights organizations alike. (Source: Ria Novosti)