US Ambassador to Ukraine: IMI safety gear saved a journalist's life during a Russian strike

"Nakypilo" journalist Victor Pichuhin survived Russia's massive drone attack on Kharkiv on the night of April 4 thanks to the bulletproof vest and helmet he received from the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), said the US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink during the opening of National Media Talk 2024 in Kyiv on September 19.

"Victor, a reporter with Nakypilo in Kharkiv, was filming the work of first responders in a missile strike and his team came under fire. A 'double tap' strike, one of Russia's most cynical and horrific tactics in its brutal war here in Ukraine. Victor's life is safe only because he was wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet provided by the Institute of Mass Information," says Bridget Brink.

Victor Pichuhin in a bomb shelter during a Russian shelling strike on April 4, 2024; photo by Victor Pichuhin

Victor Pichuhin came under fire when Russian troops targeted a residential building in Kharkiv with a "double tap" strike while first responders were working there. The strike killed 4 (three first responders, one civilian woman) and wounded 12. Victor suffered a concussion.

In his comment to the IMI, Victor remarked that he was very lucky and considered this day his second birthday, since the explosion went off very close to him. The journalist said that he survived because he had headed out in time together with the paramedics and because they were wearing safety gear – bulletproof vests and helmets. He was wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest provided by the IMI.

The Institute of Mass Information provides media professionals with high-quality and tested safety equipment and individual first-aid kits free of charge. You can apply for receiving safety gear by filling out this FORM.