A British safety advisor for Reuters tragically lost his life in a missile strike on a Ukrainian hotel near the front lines. Here’s the full story.
Russian Missile Strikes Kramatorsk
On Saturday, 24 August, as has become all too common since Russia began its bloody attempted conquest of Ukraine over two years ago, Russian missiles struck all across the beleaguered nation.
Hotel Sapphire Targeted
One such missile struck the Hotel Sapphire in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, located near the front lines of the ongoing conflict in an area currently controlled by Ukraine.
British National Killed
Shortly after the missile strike, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the attack had resulted in the tragic death of Ryan Evans, a British national working as a safety advisor for Reuters, the international news agency.
Reuters Staff Among Victims
The missile strike targeted the Hotel Sapphire, where Evans and five other Reuters employees stayed.
Russian Iskander Missile Used
The missile, identified by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a Russian Iskander, caused significant destruction, reducing parts of the hotel to rubble.
Body Recovered After 19 Hours
Ukrainian rescue teams worked tirelessly for 19 hours to recover Evans’s body from the debris. According to a statement from the National Police of Ukraine, his body was found at 18:35 local time on Sunday, following an extensive search.
Reuters Devastated by Loss
In a heartfelt statement, Reuters said, “We are devastated to learn that Reuters safety advisor Ryan Evans, who was with our reporting team in Ukraine, has been killed. Ryan was part of a Reuters crew staying at Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, when it was hit in a missile strike on Saturday, 24 August, 2024. Two of our journalists are in hospital; one is being treated for serious injuries. Three other colleagues have been accounted for and are safe.”
“We Will Miss Him Terribly”
They added, “We are urgently seeking more information about the attack, including by working with the authorities in Kramatorsk, and we are supporting our colleagues and their families. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to Ryan’s family and loved ones. Ryan has helped so many of our journalists cover events around the world; we will miss him terribly.”
A Distinguished Career
Ryan Evans, aged 38, had a distinguished career that spanned military service and advisory roles in high-risk areas.
Experienced Conflict Zone Advisor
A former British soldier, Evans joined Reuters in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in conflict zones. His role involved advising Reuters journalists on safety protocols in some of the world’s most volatile regions, including Ukraine and Israel.
Zelenskyy Condemns Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly condemned the missile strike, describing it as an “absolutely purposeful, thought out” attack on “an ordinary city hotel.”
Attack on “Ordinary City Hotel”
In his evening address on Sunday, he extended his condolences to Evans’s family and friends, denouncing the ongoing violence inflicted by Russian forces on civilian targets in Ukraine.
Part of “Daily Russian Terror”
Zelenskyy characterised the attack on the Hotel Sapphire as part of the “daily Russian terror” that continues to plague Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing suffering endured by both Ukrainians and those who have come to aid in the conflict.
Kramatorsk: A Frequent Target
Kramatorsk, where the fatal strike occurred, is situated only 20 kilometres from Russian-occupied territory and has been a frequent target of attacks throughout the conflict.
Perilously Close to Front Lines
The city, despite being under Ukrainian control, remains perilously close to the front lines. This proximity has made it a focal point of military action, with civilians and foreign nationals alike caught in the crossfire.
Part of Broader Violence Pattern
The recent strike on the Hotel Sapphire is part of a broader pattern of violence in the region, which has only increased in recent weeks as Russia continues to make gains in eastern areas of Ukraine.
Investigations Initiated
In the aftermath of the strike, Ukrainian authorities and Reuters initiated investigations to gather more information about the incident. Reuters is working closely with local authorities in Kramatorsk to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack while supporting their injured employees and the families of those affected.
Iskander-M Missile Likely Used
The Ukrainian General Prosecutor’s Office has indicated that the missile used in the strike was likely an Iskander-M, a short-range ballistic missile capable of precision targeting, which has been used repeatedly by Russian forces during the conflict.
International Condemnation of Attack
The death of Ryan Evans has drawn international attention, with the strike, which targeted a civilian hotel, being criticised as a violation of international humanitarian law, with calls for accountability and justice for the victims.
Growing Risks in Conflict Zones
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, incidents like the one in Kramatorsk highlight the growing risks faced by journalists, aid workers, and civilians in the region.
A Stark Reminder
The missile strike on the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk, which claimed the life of Ryan Evans, a dedicated safety advisor for Reuters, is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those on the front lines of reporting in conflict areas.
Deep Loss Felt by Colleagues
The loss of Evans, a former soldier and respected safety expert, has been deeply felt by his colleagues and the wider international community. Despite the condemnation over his death, it remains to be seen how much longer the bloodshed will continue in a region which has been ravaged by war for far too long.
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