Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has penned a heartfelt letter to the family of a United States journalist who was killed while reporting on the war in Ukraine.
Over the weekend, it was reported that 50-year-old filmmaker and journalist Brent Renaud was killed in the country while covering the ongoing conflict for TIME.
Per BBC News, Kyiv's police chief Andriy Nebytov said that Renaud was working in the town of Irpin - just outside of the Ukrainian capital - when he was targeted by Russian soldiers. Two other journalists were injured in the attack and taken to hospital.
Renaud is believed to be the first foreign journalist covering the war to be killed in Ukraine.
Now, President Zelensky has penned a letter to Renaud's family, expressing his condolences for their loss.
Sharing the letter to Twitter, the Ukrainian leader captioned the post: "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Brent Renaud who lost his life while documenting the ruthlessness & evil inflicted upon [Ukrainian] people by Russia.
"May Brent’s life & sacrifice inspire the world to stand up in fight for the forces of light against forces of darkness."
Zelensky's letter begins: "It is with deep sadness that I am writing to extend my heartfelt condolences to you on the tragic loss of your beloved son and brother, Brent Renaud."
The touching letter continues: "A talented and brave journalist, Brent lost his life while documenting human tragedy, devastation and suffering of the millions of Ukrainians. With all his courage and determination, he traveled to the most dangerous war zones to film the unprecedented ruthlessness and evil, also inflicted upon our nation by the aggressor state.
"The people of Ukraine, who are fighting against the Russian regime to defend their Homeland and democracy in the world, are mourning with you.
"We are thankful to Brent for his professionalism and commitment to the values of compassion, ethics, and justice.
May Brent’s life, service, and sacrifice inspire generations of people all around the world to stand up in fight for the forces of light against forces of darkness."
Juan Arredondo - another journalist who was injured in the targeting - later revealed that he had been with Renaud when they came under fire. He said in a Twitter video: "We were across one of the first bridges in Irpin, going to film other refugees leaving, and we got into a car."
"Somebody offered to take us to the other bridge and we crossed a checkpoint, and they start shooting at us," he continued. "So the driver turned around, and they kept shooting; there's two of us. My friend is Brent Renaud, and he's been shot and left behind... I saw him being shot in the neck."
Per CNN, contrary to what was reported by Ukrainian officials, Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations said at the UN Security Council on Monday that Renaud died at the hands of Ukrainian forces in Irpin. However, he provided no evidence for this claim.
Additionally, if you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.
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