Latvian journalists escape Russian drone attack in Ukraine

A Latvian Public Media (LSM) team, journalist Odita Krenberga and cameraman Aigars Kovaļevskis, narrowly escaped harm after coming under attack by a Russian drone while reporting near the frontline in Ukraine.

The incident occurred while the journalists were traveling with Ukrainian soldiers to cover the story of Aleksandrs, a Latvian from Alūksne with the callsign “NATO,” who is serving with the Ukrainian Airborne Brigade in the Donetsk region. Footage of the attack is available, with the drone incident visible around the 4-minute 20-second mark.

While preparing the report, the film crew and accompanying soldiers became the target of the drone. The device exploded near their vehicle, damaging the rear of the car with shrapnel and breaking a window. Thanks to the quick reactions of the driver, none of the journalists or soldiers were injured.

The attack underscored the persistent dangers along the frontline, where drone attacks have become a daily threat. Despite adverse weather conditions — wind, snow, and poor visibility — the crew and soldiers were nevertheless spotted and targeted.

Undeterred by the incident, Odita Krenberga and Aigars Kovaļevskis completed their reporting as planned. Aleksandrs reflected on the experience, emphasizing resilience and determination:

"The main thing is not to think about it. You have to keep going. I'm telling you – if your time comes, it will come. There's nothing there. Everyone has their own life. And their own end. Sometimes, you think not only about yourself, but about the equipment, because it's hard to get, expensive. You think about it often – not about your life, but how to save it all. Here is that part of Donbas that Putin's army has never been able to take and demands to be given without a fight. You need to have positive optimism. Everything is surmountable. Thank you to all of Latvia, Latvians, those who support Latvians in Ukraine."

After reaching the Ukrainian defenders’ combat positions, the journalists spoke with more troops, leading to discussions about the fate of Donbas. Ukrainian soldiers expressed their determination to defend the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva