President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent a heartfelt letter to the American journalist who was shot and killed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Brent Renaud, 51, was working in Ukraine as a video journalist when he died in an incident understood to have occurred in Irpin, a northwestern suburb of Kyiv that has been the scene of heavy fighting.
As the tributes continue to pour in for Renaud, who had been in the region working on a Time Studios project about the global refugee crisis, Zelenskyy himself has sent a letter to the family offering his condolences, saying the world ‘is mourning with them’.
In the letter shared on the Ukrainian president’s Twitter page, he writes: ‘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.
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‘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."
Zelenskyy continues: ‘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 Bent for his professionalism and commitment to the values of compassion, ethics and justice.
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‘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.’
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The post has received hundreds of comments from people supporting Zelenskyy’s words and offering their tribute to the late journalist, with one person writing, ‘May his spirit rest and watch over you, these crimes are recognized by the whole world and stand with you!’
Another highlighted Zelenskyy’s leadership and compassion, stating, ‘Every leader from this point forward needs to take lessons, and strive to be like President Zelenskyy. Most could only hope they have this kind of leadership ability.’
The news of Renaud’s death was announced by Kyiv Region Police Chief Andriy Nebytov, who said in a statement that Russian troops ‘kill even journalists of the international media who try to show the truth about the inaction of Russian troops in Ukraine’.
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He added, ‘US citizen Brent Renaud paid his life for trying to highlight the aggressor's ingenuity, cruelty and ruthlessness.'
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The New York Times, who Renaud had previously worked for but was not on assignment with in Ukraine, also confirmed the news, with the paper's managing editor Cliff Levy tweeting: '@nytimes is deeply saddened to learn of the death of an American journalist in Ukraine, Brent Renaud.'
Time Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal and President Ian Orefice said in a statement: ‘We are devastated by the loss of Brent Renaud. 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.’
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If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Ukraine, Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky, World News
