Macron holds Russia responsible for death of French photojournalist in Ukraine

Briefly: On 3 October, 37-year-old French photojournalist Anthony Lallican was killed by a Russian drone in Donetsk region; Ukrainian journalist Heorhiy Ivanchenko was injured. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly blamed Russia for the death. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty+1

Who died and where it happened

Anthony Lallican was killed near Druzhkivka in Donetsk region while working near the frontline; Ukrainian journalist Georgy Ivanchenko was wounded along with him. Both were identified as press officers.

What Macron said

Emmanuel Macron wrote in X that he was «deeply saddened to learn of his death, the victim of a Russian drone strike,» and expressed his condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased. The French president directly blamed Russia for the death.

What journalism organisations say

The European and International Federation of Journalists condemned the attack as a war crime and called for an investigation, noting that it was the first documented case of a journalist being killed by a drone strike in Ukraine. Reporters Without Borders also called for a prompt investigation.

What is known about the circumstances of the attack

According to the Ukrainian side, Lallikan was embedded in an Armed Forces unit near the front line; both journalists were wearing personal protective equipment with the inscription PRESS. The attack took place on Friday morning.

Who was Anthony Lallican

The 37-year-old photojournalist has worked for a number of European media outlets and in 2024 won the Victor Hugo Prize for «civic engagement photography» for his reports from Ukraine.

Context.

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, dozens of media professionals have been killed in Ukraine. Today's case is notable for the use of a drone against journalists, as EFJ/IFJ and RFE/RL have pointed out.

What's next

Professional journalists' associations and human rights activists expect an official investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators; the French authorities will continue to communicate about the safety of the press at the front.