Full Breakdown
Investigations Launched Following Deaths of Journalists and Media Figures in Russia and Ukraine
10/7/2025, 1:51:06 PM
War Crimes Investigation into Journalist's Death
On October 5, 2023, France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) announced the initiation of a war crimes investigation into the death of French photojournalist Antoni Lallican, who was killed by a Russian drone strike in Ukraine on October 3. Lallican, 37, was covering the ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region when he was targeted while working alongside his Ukrainian colleague, Georgiy Ivanchenko, who sustained severe injuries. The investigation in Ukraine is being conducted by the public prosecutor's office in Kramatorsk under Article 438-2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to war crimes.
Lallican had been documenting the impact of the war in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in March 2022. He was known for his work with various prominent French and international media outlets, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Der Spiegel. His death adds to the troubling statistic reported by the European and International Federations of Journalists, which states that at least 17 journalists have been killed in Ukraine since the invasion.
Mysterious Death of Pravda Publishing House Director
In a separate incident, Vyacheslav Leontyev, the 87-year-old former director of the Pravda publishing house, died after falling from a window of his home in Moscow on October 5, 2023. His death is being investigated by Russian authorities, who are exploring whether it was an accident, suicide, or foul play. Leontyev had a long history with the Soviet-era newspaper, which served as the official mouthpiece for the Communist Party, and was believed to possess insider knowledge about the party's finances.
Leontyev's death is part of a concerning trend of suspicious fatalities among Russian elites, particularly those linked to the media and political spheres. Recent cases include the deaths of Lukoil tycoon Ravil Maganov and former transport minister Roman Starovoit, both of whom died under mysterious circumstances. The frequency of these incidents has led to speculation about potential purges or settling of scores within the Russian political landscape.
Criticism and Concerns
The deaths of both Lallican and Leontyev have raised alarms among journalists and human rights advocates. The targeting of journalists in conflict zones, as highlighted by Lallican's case, underscores the dangers faced by media professionals in war-torn areas. Meanwhile, the suspicious circumstances surrounding Leontyev's death have fueled concerns about the safety of individuals with knowledge of sensitive political and financial matters in Russia.
Official Statements and Responses
The PNAT's investigation into Lallican's death reflects a commitment to addressing war crimes against journalists, emphasizing the importance of protecting media personnel in conflict zones. In contrast, Russian authorities have yet to release preliminary findings regarding Leontyev's death, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding his fall.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Under international humanitarian law, attacks on journalists during armed conflicts are considered serious violations of the laws and customs of war.” — European and International Federations of Journalists
- “The falls from the window continue. Leontiev was found near his Moscow apartment. He gave the impression of a discreet millionaire. He knew a lot about” — Andrey Malgin, Exiled Journalist
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigations into both deaths are ongoing, discrepancies exist regarding the nature of Leontyev's death, with some sources suggesting it may have been a suicide due to health issues, while others point to potential foul play. The lack of clarity surrounding these incidents highlights the need for thorough and transparent investigations.
