French journalist was killed by shelling at the ‘pan of fire’ in Luhansk, causing Ukraine to pause this work

According to Reuters, Mr. Gaidai said shrapnel penetrated the vehicle’s armor, killing French journalist Frederic Leclerc-Imhoff who was sitting inside on May 30. Mr. Gaidai provided a photo of the identification card of the French journalist killed in Luhansk.

“Frederic Leclerc-Imhoff was in Ukraine reporting on the reality of the conflict. On a humanitarian bus with civilians forced to evacuate from the bombing, he was fatally wounded,” the General said. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed to the media on May 30.

Journalist Leclerc-Imhoff (32 years old), working for the BFM TV news channel, was killed on a business trip to Ukraine for the second time since the conflict began on February 24.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who visited Kiev on May 30, said on Twitter that journalist Leclerc-Imhoff was killed “in an attack” while he was on a reporting mission.

“I spoke to the Luhansk authorities and asked the President of Ukraine (Volodymyr) Zelensky to investigate,” Colonna said.

According to Reuters, journalist Leclerc-Imhoff died near Severodonetsk, which is becoming the “hottest point” in the war in Donbass. Russian and Ukrainian forces have fought fiercely in recent weeks for the key city.

The BFM also confirmed that its journalist Leclerc-Imhoff was hit by shrapnel and died while Leclerc-Imhoff’s colleague Maxime Brandstaetter was wounded.

“My condolences go out to his family, loved ones and colleagues. To those who ensure the difficult mission of reporting in war zones, I would like to reiterate France’s unconditional support. “, said President Macron.