The explosion occurred near Kiev’s government quarter.
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Pavel Sheremet, an investigative journalist who covered Russia-Ukraine relations and was known for publicly criticizing the Kremlin, was driving to work when the bomb exploded in central Kiev.
The Belarusian journalist, who also hosted TV programs, was 44 at the time of his death. The auto was owned by its editor-in-chief Alyona Pritula, the publication said.
Journalist Pavel Sheremet with Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov. “The prominent Ukrainian journalist Pavel Sheremet was killed this morning”.
Pavel Sheremet was killed as he was driving for work to take part in the morning broadcast of Vesti radio station.
An adviser to the Ukrainian interior minister wrote in a Facebook post that an improvised explosive device had been planted on the underside of the auto, which belonged to Olena Prytula, Mr. Sheremet’s romantic partner and a founding editor of the online news site where he worked.
Ukraine’s 2014 pro-EU revolution that culminated in the ouster of Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych had spawned new hopes and expectations for journalists in the former Soviet nation.
The president of Ukraine has called for the culprits behind the murder of one of the country’s most renowned journalists to be brought to justice.
“Mr. Sheremet, a Belarusian citizen, served as an example to journalists in the region through his courageous and tenacious reporting”. Sheremet faced threats and harassment in Belarus and was badly beaten in 2004 while covering an election. “However, in Russian Federation, despite divergences in views, he was never threatened with physical violence for professional activity”, the Foreign Ministry’s statement said. Five years ago, he moved to Kiev.
“I’m threatened often and given hints. Every time I go to Moscow, it’s like I’m in a minefield”, he told the news agency.
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“Now the problem of freedom of speech and objective journalism is becoming again a serious issue”, he told the wire service.
