Police in Ukraine have reported the death of United States journalist Brent Renaud.
The 50-year-old filmmaker and former New York Times contributor was in the country covering the ongoing conflict for Time.
The publication has since released a statement on Renaud's death, penned by TIME Editor in Chief and CEO Edward Felsenthal and President and COO of TIME and TIME Studios Ian Orefice.
"We are devastated by the loss of Brent Renaud," the statement read. "As an award-winning filmmaker and journalist, Brent tackled the toughest stories around the world often alongside his brother Craig Renaud.
"In recent weeks, Brent was in the region working on a TIME Studios project focused on the global refugee crisis. Our hearts are with all of Brent’s loved ones. It is essential that journalists are able to safely cover this ongoing invasion and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine."
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.
Juan Arredondo - one of the fellow journalists who was injured - 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."
On social media, photos of Renaud's press ID have since been circulated.
The New York Times has also issued a statement on the journalist's death, expressing how it was ""deeply saddened" to hear of Renaud's death.
The journalist last worked for the publication back in 2015.
Back to the Future actor Lea Thompson also paid tribute to Renaud, tweeting a photo of them together and writing: "This is a wonderful kind giving man I knew #BrentRenaud was shot dead today by a Russian soldier who [probably] didn’t want to be in #UkraineWar my heart is broken.
"I saw a photo of his body and his passport I want to remember him like this."
Our thoughts go out to Renaud's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
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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