Russian officials and media have blamed Ukraine’s armed forces for the attack, though CNN has not been able to independently verify these claims. Ukraine has not yet responded publicly. Denis, the head of the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), where the incident reportedly occurred, stated that Alexander was returning from a reporting assignment in Horlivka at the time.

Reports suggest that two journalists from Russia’s state-run news agency RIA Novosti and two from the pro-Russian outlet in Donetsk were also in the car and sustained minor injuries. These journalists reportedly survived by leaping from the moving vehicle, sustaining injuries such as shrapnel wounds, concussions, and bruises.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the attack as a “deliberate murder” and accused Ukraine of attempting to silence its “ideological opponents.” She called on the UN and other international bodies to condemn Kyiv for the incident. Zakharova also stated that those responsible for the attack would be identified and held accountable. Russia is expected to raise the issue during an upcoming UN Security Council meeting on the conflict in Ukraine.