Image: Pierre Zakrzewski (right) was killed in an attack outside Kyiv / @TreyYingst
The first Irish citizen to be killed in the Ukrainian crisis has been confirmed.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that the Fox cameraman, Pierre Zakrzewski, who was killed on the outskirts of Kyiv, held Irish citizenship.
Fox News announced the attack on Zakrzewski and reporter Benjamin Hall while "newsgathering outside of Kyiv" yesterday, but confirmed today that the cameraman was killed, while Hall remains in hospital.
In a tweet today, the Taoiseach said he was 'deeply disturbed and saddened' by the cameraman's death, once again condemning Russia's 'indiscriminate and immoral war' by Russia on Ukraine.
Deeply disturbed and saddened by the killing of Irish citizen and journalist Pierre Zakrzewski and one of his colleagues today.
My thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow journalists.
We condemn this indiscriminate and immoral war by Russia on #Ukraine.— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 15, 2022
A spokesman for the Taoiseach told the Independent that the Department of Foreign Affairs is offering consular assistance to the journalist's family.
Chief Executive of Fox News, Suzanne Scott, paid tribute to the Irish citizen, who was based in London.
“His passion and talent as a journalist were unmatched." said Scott about the 55-year-old, and revealed that he had helped Afghans who had worked for Fox News escape the country last summer after the US withdrawal.
“He played a key role in getting our Afghan freelance associates and their families out.
"In December, at our annual employee spotlight awards, Pierre was given the Unsung Hero award in recognition of his invaluable work.”
Trey Yingst, a Fox News foreign correspondent, said in a tweet: “I don’t know what to say. Pierre was as good as they come. Selfless. Brave. Passionate. I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
I don’t know what to say. Pierre was as good as they come. Selfless. Brave. Passionate. I’m so sorry this happened to you. pic.twitter.com/IvxlPWGDAl
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 15, 2022
The network said it was still trying to gather details of the attack on its team.
It follows the death of US filmmaker Brent Renaud on Sunday.
