Executive Summary: Intensification of Attacks on Hotels
Our study—a joint undertaking between TH and RSF—aims to examine Russian attacks on hotels in Ukraine through an analysis of 31 documented incidents occurring at 25 hotels between 24 February 2022 and 15 March 2025. In so doing, we aim to identify potential rationales behind these strikes, the patterns apparent across the attacks, and their broader implications for media workers, as well as to assess them within the framework of IHL.
The pattern of attacks investigated in this report sheds light on the growing risks faced by media professionals covering the war in Ukraine. Hotel attacks, initially sporadic in 2022 (eight attacks), continued into 2023 and intensified in the latter part of the year, with four of the five attacks occurring after August. This clear pattern became increasingly evident in 2024 (fourteen attacks, of which eleven occurred after August) and continued into early 2025, with four attacks being carried out in two months. This escalation highlights a shift from isolated events to a sustained threat.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many hotels have adapted their operations in direct response to the conflict. Some have ceased accepting guests for security reasons, while others have refused to host military personnel to avoid any association with military activity. However, our findings suggest that there is no clear correlation between the operating policy of a hotel and the likelihood of it being targeted.
Attacks Resulting in Civilian Casualties, Including Journalists
The majority of the victims of these attacks have been civilians. Among this group, media workers feature prominently, with 25 journalists and other media professionals—one of whom was killed—becoming victims of the attacks analysed (at least seven media professionals sustained severe physical injuries). Russia has increasingly targeted hotels known for housing journalists, deliberately striking those with no military presence.
A clear pattern has emerged, with repeated attacks occurring at night, using Russian cruise and ballistic missiles launched from Iskander missile systems, primarily in Ukrainian cities in regions affected by active hostilities and on civilian hotels that do not constitute legitimate military targets Our analysis therefore suggests that these attacks are neither random nor incidental but are instead part of a broader strategy aimed at discouraging independent reporting from the frontline.
Obstacles to Journalistic Work
As a result, journalists are increasingly forced to reconsider their accommodation choices, shifting away from hotels in favour of alternatives. This limits their ability to operate safely in conflict areas and to perform their vital social function—particularly crucial in times of war. Indeed, 13% of respondents to our survey highlighted that there had been a reduction or complete suspension of assignments to high-risk areas in light of the pattern of attacks, representing a concerning trend that may affect the amount and quality of coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Moreover, this trend has caused significant psychological distress among media professionals. Notably, when asked about the main consequences of these attacks, respondents to our survey cited complicated logistics due to limited access to safe housing (64%) and psychological stress or emotional trauma (44%) (the figures given in this subsection represent combined data from the responses of both Ukrainian and foreign media professionals).
Disinformation Campaigns and False Narratives Used by Russian Sources to Justify These Attacks
These attacks appear to be part of a broader Russian strategy aimed at intimidating journalists and suppressing independent media coverage of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In an effort to justify its actions under IHL, we have analysed several elements from disinformation campaigns, including false narratives claiming Russia is targeting ‘foreign mercenaries’.
Our study highlights how a range of Russian sources have actively promoted narratives about ‘foreign mercenaries’ allegedly fighting in Ukraine. This label is frequently applied to journalists to legitimise strikes on hotels in near-frontline territories where they usually stay or to portray them as equally lawful and desirable targets as actual combatants. Indeed, our analysis of Russian sources indicates that this narrative, whereby the line between journalists and combatants is deliberately blurred, is actively employed—and potentially initiated—by the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Call to Action: Legal measures
In light of these developments, it is crucial to prioritise prosecuting crimes against journalists in national and international jurisdictions. In particular, we recommend the initiation of legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and in the United Kingdom—the home country of a media worker who was killed in one of the attacks investigated. We also recommend that other countries pursue accountability on all jurisdictional grounds—including universal—in relation to crimes against media professionals. It is, moreover, essential to support Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in strengthening their position in criminal proceedings related to these attacks, notably through judicial cooperation.
Recommendations: Protecting press freedom and supporting journalists’ security in war zones
Overall, the situation illustrated in this report raises urgent concerns about press freedom and underscores the need for greater international attention and support for the security of journalists in war zones. Ensuring their safety is not only a matter of personal security, but also a fundamental issue for the transparency and accountability of war reporting. The targeting of journalists has a direct impact on the scale and depth of war reporting, reducing the presence of independent observers who could document potential violations of international law.
Quelle: Der gesamte Bericht ist frei zugänglich unter: https://rsf.org/sites/default/files/medias/file/2025/05/Last%20Check-In%20The%20Russian%20Strikes%20on%20Ukrainian%20Hotels%20Silencing%20the%20Press%20TH%20RSF_.pdf.
