"I'm alive. Lost a leg": Ukrainian journalist Ivanchenko recounts injury and colleague's death
Ukrainian journalist and photographer Heorhii Ivanchenko has spoken about the injuries he sustained in a Russian strike as he was reporting in Donetsk Oblast and the death of his colleague, French photojournalist Antoni Lallican.
Source: Heorhii Ivanchenko on Facebook
Details: Ivanchenko shared his experience in his first social media post since the attack.
Quote: "It was a targeted hit by an FPV drone. I'm alive. I lost a leg. My closest friend, brother and teacher, Antoni Lallican, is dead.
Our assignments together were unforgettable. You were unforgettable.
What happened is very painful for me, and my heart goes out to all his family and loved ones."
More details: Ivanchenko thanked medical staff, friends and family for their support during his surgery and rehabilitation.
The Russians struck the journalists with an FPV drone in Donetsk Oblast on 2 October.
French photojournalist Antoni Lallican, who had worked in Ukraine since 2022, was on assignment for the Hans Lucas photo agency.
Both reporters were wearing protective gear marked "Press" and were accompanied by a press officer.
Lallican documented the impact of war and civilian life in Donetsk Oblast. In 2024, he was awarded the Victor Hugo Prize for his reportage on Ukraine, Suddenly the Sky Darkened.
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine has extended condolences to Lallican's family and colleagues. The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ and IFJ) have condemned the killing and called for an investigation to hold those responsible to account.
Lallican, 38, worked for French and international media outlets including Le Monde, Le Figaro, Libération, Mediapart, Der Spiegel, Die Welt, Le Temps and other leading European outlets. He began his career as a photojournalist at age 30, documenting protests in France, Hong Kong and India, later covering conflict zones.
Donations to support Heorhii Ivanchenko can be made via this link.
Background:
- French reporter Antoni Lallican was killed on 3 October in a Russian FPV drone strike that also injured Kyiv Independent freelance photographer Heorhii Ivanchenko.
- France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has opened a war crime investigation into Lallican's death.
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