A film crew from Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM was attacked by a Russian FPV drone while reporting in Ukraine’s Donetsk region on February 10. The team was traveling to film a report about the ongoing conflict.
Journalists Targeted Near Frontline
Journalist Odita Krenberga and cameraman Aigars Kovalevskis were traveling with a Ukrainian serviceman named Oleksandr, who fights with a Ukrainian airborne brigade, when the incident occurred. They were preparing a story about Oleksandr, a Latvian volunteer known by the call sign “NATO.”
According to LSM, the drone detonated near their vehicle on a road where traffic slows down. The explosion damaged the rear of the car and shattered the windows. Fortunately, the driver’s quick reaction—accelerating away from the blast—prevented any injuries to the team or the soldiers.
“Here’s the part of Donbas that Putin’s army has failed to capture and is demanding be handed over without a fight,” Oleksandr said.
LSM emphasized that its journalists are aware of the dangers of working near the front lines, but maintain that their presence is essential for documenting the realities of the war. LSM editor-in-chief Anita Brauna stated that independent journalism serves as “an important counterbalance to false and manipulative messages.”
Continued Risks for Media Workers
This incident is not isolated. Earlier, a team from Suspilne Dnipro was targeted by a Russian Shahed drone while reporting on a strike on a civilian bus in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Latvian journalists?
The Latvian journalists were attacked by a Russian FPV drone while traveling to report on a story in the Donetsk region. Their vehicle was damaged, but no one was injured.
Who were the journalists traveling with?
The journalists were traveling with a Ukrainian serviceman named Oleksandr, who is fighting in a Ukrainian airborne brigade and is known by the call sign “NATO.”
Has this happened to other journalists in Ukraine?
Yes, in October 2025, French photojournalist Anthony Lallican was killed and Ukrainian journalist Hryhorii Ivanchenko was wounded in a Russian drone strike. A team from Suspilne Dnipro was also recently targeted by a drone.
As the conflict continues, what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of journalists reporting from the front lines?
