EU Calls for Justice Over Murderers of Ukrainian Journalists, Ex-Lawmaker

Two journalists and a former lawmaker, all in opposition to the current Ukrainian government, were killed this week.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — The European Union has denounced the recent killings of two journalists and a politician in Ukraine, EU spokeswomen Maja Kocijancic said Friday.

Kocijancic told RIA Novosti:

"We condemn the recent killings of the journalists Oles Buzina and Serhiy Sukhobok, as well as of Oleh Kalashnikov, a former MP. We call for independent and transparent investigations of these cases so that those responsible can be brought to justice. Our sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims."

Kocijancic added that the European Union underscored the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of media, including the safety of journalists.

On Thursday, Ukrainian opposition journalist Oles Buzina, 45, a columnist and editor of the daily newspaper Segodnya, was shot dead in Kiev by two masked gunmen.

The fatal shooting occurred less than a day after former lawmaker and government critic Oleh Kalashnikov, 52, was murdered at his residence in Kiev on Wednesday evening.

Donetsk freelance journalist Serhiy Sukhobok, 50, was killed on Tuesday. Sukhobok was one of the founders of the online media Obkom and ProUA, and was known for his opposition to the Ukrainian leadership.