Ukraine: One American journalist killed, another injured

One American journalist was shot dead and another wounded Sunday in Irpin, on the northwestern edge of Kiev, where Ukrainian forces are fighting Russian forces, we learned from coordinating sources.

Two people collided and were injured in the afternoon while driving with a Ukrainian citizen, said AFP Daniel Shapovalov, a doctor involved with Ukrainian forces who took care of the victims.

Ukrainian authorities quickly accused their Russian enemies of firing on journalists, but it was difficult to immediately confirm the source of the shots.

AFP journalists in the area on Sunday opened fire with artillery and small arms.

An AFP reporter saw the body of a slain journalist with his identity documents, including a New York Times accreditation card.

This was stated by Brent Renaud, 50, photographer and director, in a press release from the American newspaper. He previously worked for the New York Times, but did not work for it in Ukraine, according to the statement.

He was the first foreign journalist to die after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

The other American journalist, apparently slightly injured, testified in a video posted on social networks.

He said soldiers opened fire on them as they were crossing the checkpoint.

“The driver turned around, but they opened fire on us. My friend Brent Renard was beaten and we had to leave him,” the man said.

According to the latter, Brent Renaud suffered a neck injury.