RFE/RL Journalist Dies From Russian Air Strike Hits Quarters In Kyiv

An RFE/RL journalist has reportedly died after the place where she lived was hit by a Russian air strike in Kyiv on Apr. 29.

The scribe was identified as Vira Hyrych whose body was found in the wreckage on Friday. The building was allegedly hit by a Russian missile the night before, the RFE/RL Ukrainian Service said.

Hyrych was born in 1967. She began working for RFE/RL in February 2018. Before that, she worked at a TV channel in Ukraine.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of our Ukrainian Service staffer Vira Hyrych in Kyiv overnight. We have lost a dear colleague who will be remembered for her professionalism and dedication to our mission," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement.

"We are shocked and angered by the senseless nature of her death at home in a country and city she loved. Her memory will inspire our work in Ukraine and beyond for years to come," he added.

In videos and photos of the wreckage, the lower floors of the building could be seen heavily damaged. Nearby cars in the area could also be seen with their windows blown out.

According to Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov, the missiles had hit factory buildings in Kyiv, particularly Ukrainian rocket manufacturer Artem on Thursday, Apr. 28. As of this writing, Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on whether the factory has been hit.

One body has reportedly been retrieved from the rubble according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko via Telegram on Friday. Ten people were reportedly injured from the strike.

The air strikes carried out by Russia were condemned by resident Volodymyr Zelensky who met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Kyiv about an hour earlier.

Guterres was visiting Kyiv on Thursday when the air strikes happened.