NUJ condemns ‘disturbing’ killing of journalists in Ukraine

The National Union of Journalists has strongly condemned the killing of journalists Pierre Zakrzewski (55) and Oleksandra Kuvshynova (24) in Ukraine on Monday evening. News of the deaths was confirmed on Tuesday evening.

The two were killed outside Kyiv when their vehicle was struck by incoming fire in Horenk, on the outskirts of the capital.

A third journalist, Benjamin Hall, was seriously injured in the attack. All three had been working for Fox News.

Pierre Zakrzewski was an Irish citizen who had been living in London for a number of years. Extending sympathy to the families of the two journalists Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said “the targeting of journalists was a fundamental breach of international law.”

She went on: “Russia has shown a disturbing contempt for human rights from the outset of the invasion of Ukraine. We extend solidarity to all who have suffered as a result of this invasion.

“Attacks on journalists are an attack on democracy, designed to silence those who are bringing the unfolding story of Ukraine to the global community.”

Born in August 1966, Mr Zakrzewski was the second-eldest of six children: four boys and two girls. His mother was French and his father was Polish, and the family lived in Leopardstown, Co Dublin. He attended St Conleth’s College, Ballbridge and studied arts in UCD. His mother and two brothers continue to live in Dublin.

The NUJ’s Irish Executive Council has called on Irish members to make a donation to the International Federation of Journalists International Safety Fund in his memory.