On June 3, the Senedd in Cardiff hosted an important public briefing titled “Last Check-In: The Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Hotels Silencing the Press”. The session brought together Members of the Senedd Mick Antoniw MS and Alun Davies MS, international journalists, and civil society representatives, including members of the Ukrainian community in Wales.
The event focused on the presentation of a new investigative report by Ukrainian human rights organisation Truth Hounds in partnership with Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The report documents 31 verified Russian attacks on 25 hotels across Ukraine between February 2022 and March 2025—many of which were known to host journalists and humanitarian workers.
These attacks were not random. The findings point to a deliberate pattern: most occurred at night, involved precision-guided missiles, and often included a second strike targeting first responders—a tactic known as a “double-tap” attack. In nearly all documented cases, there was no evidence of a military presence at the hotels.
Participants at the briefing were shown detailed evidence suggesting that these strikes are part of a wider strategy to intimidate and silence journalists working in conflict zones. One case study examined the attack on the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk, which resulted in the death of British safety adviser Ryan Evans, who was working with Reuters.
The report also explores the long-term effects of such attacks on the journalistic community. A recent survey found that more than 60% of Ukrainian journalists now avoid staying in hotels near the frontlines, citing security concerns. This shift has affected their ability to report effectively from war-affected areas and has contributed to psychological stress among media professionals.
The Cardiff briefing is part of a broader UK tour by Truth Hounds, aiming to raise awareness and promote accountability. Recommendations from the report include pursuing legal proceedings through the International Criminal Court and national systems, including in the UK.
The organisers concluded by emphasising that defending press freedom in Ukraine is a shared global concern. Independent reporting remains essential to documenting conflict and ensuring international awareness.
