Reporters Without Borders expressed on Wednesday concern over violence toward journalists in eastern Ukraine and called on both sides of the conflict to ensure security for media professionals.
"One cannot do their work independently without being dragged into the conflict. We call on the sides of the conflict to finally ensure the safety of correspondents and their employees. It is intolerable that journalists become the targets of threats and violence," said Christian Mir, the head of the international human rights organization branch in Berlin.
According to the organization's statement, six media representatives from Russia, Ukraine and Italy died in the first six months of the conflict. Nearly 250 journalists were attacked or injured, 55 others were kidnapped or taken hostage.
Mir said journalists should keep in mind they may become targets of violence in the country's eastern regions.
The organization has already called for reporter security in the region, saying journalism had to have a neutral view on the conflict to provide common citizens with information.
Since mid-April, Kiev authorities have been conducting a special military operation in eastern Ukraine to suppress the independence movement in the country. More than 450 civilians have died over the past few months as a result of the conflict.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Kiev to immediately put a stop the violence and resolve the conflict through peaceful dialogue.
