Russian Drone Strike in Kramatorsk Kills Two FREEДОM Journalists, Alena Gramova and Yevhen Karmazin.

Ukrainian Journalists Killed in Drone Attack

According to UATV: On October 23, 2025, a Russian drone attack in Kramatorsk killed Ukrainian journalists Alena Gramova, 43, and Yevhen Karmazin, 33. Both were reporting for the FREEДОM television channel, covering military events in Ukraine. Their deaths represent a profound loss for the journalistic community and the nation. The attack underscores the extreme dangers faced by reporters working in active war zones.

Posthumous Honors and a Day of Recognition

In a poignant coincidence, the same date was officially designated in Ukraine as Military Journalist Day, symbolizing recognition of the vital role journalists play in covering conflicts and their consequences. Furthermore, Alena Gramova and Yevhen Karmazin were posthumously awarded the 'For Merit' Order, III degree, honoring their contribution to journalism and their courage in performing their professional duties.

At the moment of the strike, Gramova and Karmazin were near their vehicle. Eyewitnesses described the events as instantaneous, noting:

“They were by their car; it happened in a second, even less than a second.”

“It was very fast. Practically without sound. In the last fraction of a second, I heard something by the sound.”

The killing of Alena Gramova and Yevhen Karmazin highlights the perils confronting journalists on the front lines and the necessity of protecting press freedom in wartime. Their memory will endure in the hearts of those who value truth and bravery.

This tragedy not only reflects the risks journalists face daily but also focuses attention on the critical importance of their work in reporting the truth during conflicts. The establishment of Military Journalist Day emphasizes the value of safeguarding free speech and supporting journalists who risk their lives for information. The memory of Alena Gramova and Yevhen Karmazin should spur society to a greater awareness of the dangers media workers face in war and the need to support their struggle for truth.