French Photojournalist Antoni Lallican Killed in Ukraine Drone Attack
Antoni Lallican, an award-winning French photojournalist, was killed in a drone attack in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine on Friday, October 3, 2025. The attack also wounded Ukrainian journalist Georgiy Ivanchenko. Lallican's death marks the first time a journalist has been killed by a drone in the Ukraine conflict.
Details of the Attack
Lallican, 37, was embedded with a Ukrainian brigade near the front lines when the drone strike occurred. Ukrainian authorities and French President Emmanuel Macron have attributed the attack to Russia. Ivanchenko, who was also present, sustained injuries but is reported to be in stable condition. Both journalists were wearing protective equipment marked "Press" at the time of the attack.
Reactions to Lallican's Death
The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) have condemned the killing as a "war crime" and called for a thorough investigation. Antoine Chuzeville of the French journalists' union SNJ emphasized the urgent need for international measures to protect reporters working in Ukraine. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also demanded a swift investigation into the incident.
"He died while doing his job, bearing witness to the consequences of war," said Thibaut Bruttin, director general of RSF.
Condemnations and Calls for Accountability
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "profound sadness" at Lallican's death, stating that he was "a victim of a Russian drone attack." Sergiy Tomilenko, president of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, accused the Russian army of "deliberately hunting those trying to document war crimes." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha echoed these sentiments, calling the targeting of journalists "a heinous crime and violation of international humanitarian law."
Antoni Lallican: A Dedicated Photojournalist
Based in Paris, Lallican was an experienced photojournalist who had reported from numerous countries, including Sudan, Haiti, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. He frequently traveled to Ukraine and was familiar with the terrain. In 2024, he received the Victor Hugo Prize for Committed Photography for his series on the war in Ukraine, titled "Suddenly, the sky darkened." His work has appeared in several French and international publications, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, Der Spiegel, and Die Welt.
The Increasing Risks for Journalists in Ukraine
Lallican is the 14th journalist to die while covering the war in Ukraine, according to Reporters Without Borders, although other estimates put the number as high as 22. The EFJ noted that his death marks the first time a journalist has been killed by a drone in the conflict. The incident highlights the increasing dangers faced by journalists reporting from the front lines in Ukraine, particularly with the increased use of drones.
International Concern Over Safety of Journalists
The killing of Antoni Lallican has sparked international concern about the safety of journalists covering the war in Ukraine. Various organizations and officials have called for greater protection for journalists and for those responsible for the attack to be held accountable. The incident underscores the importance of ensuring that journalists can report on conflicts without fear of being targeted.
