Latvian journalists come under Russian FPV drone attack in Donetsk region
A crew from the Latvian public broadcaster (LSM) came under attack by a Russian FPV drone while travelling to the positions of a Ukrainian unit in Donetsk region. The journalists were on their way to film a frontline report.
This was reported by LSM.
LSM journalist Odita Krenberga and cameraman Aigars Kovalevskis were preparing a story about a Latvian volunteer from the town of Alūksne, known by the call sign “NATO,” who is fighting for Ukraine as part of an Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The incident occurred as the journalists, together with the serviceman Oleksandr, were heading toward combat positions. Despite difficult weather conditions — strong winds, a snowstorm, and poor visibility — a Russian FPV drone was waiting near a so-called “zeroed-in” bend in the road, where drivers are forced to slow down.
The drone exploded near the vehicle. The blast damaged the rear of the car and shattered its windows with shrapnel. A direct hit was avoided thanks to Oleksandr, who spotted the danger in time and accelerated sharply. No one was injured.
LSM Editor-in-Chief Anita Brauna commented on the incident:
“The LSM team is aware of the risks it takes when travelling to Ukraine’s defenders and documenting the reality of war, as it is precisely this presence that makes it possible to record the true face of war — no matter how dangerous and brutal it may be. We highly value the work and courage of our journalists, as independent journalism in this situation serves as an important counterbalance to false and manipulative narratives,” she said.
Earlier, on 10 February, Russian occupation forces carried out massive attacks on 17 settlements in Kharkiv region.
Russian forces also attacked a railway station in Sumy region and struck civilian infrastructure there with a drone, injuring children.
