His friends and colleagues Armand Soldenof journalist of the French Agency which he was killed last week in the east Ukrainegathered today in Kyiv to pay tribute to the deceased, his memory, empathy and dedication to his profession.

Arman Solden was killed in a shelling while reporting with an AFP team near the besieged city of Bakhmut, the epicenter of fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

Dozens of people, including AFP management and journalists, gathered today for a memorial event organized by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, where a large banner depicting the smiling 32-year-old reporter was hung.

AFP president Fabrice Fries, citing Armand’s mother, described the journalist as having “all humanity in one man” and stressed that his friends, family and colleagues “adored him”.

“Arman lost his life so that millions of people could know what is happening in Ukraine. At a time when an inhumane war is ravaging Ukraine, Arman’s memory is our pride,” Fries added.

Phil Chettwin, AFP news director, called Solden “an integral part” of its coverage of the war in Ukraine and thanked him for contributing to his “excellent” coverage.

“There was no one as courageous and as committed as Armand Solden,” he said, adding: “The loss of Armand has devastated us because we considered him the best of AFP.”

Bosnia-born Armand Solden is the third French reporter to die since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and at least the 11th reporter, escort or guide to be killed, according to the NGO protection of the press.

“Armand’s dedication to his work, to tell the world the story of this horrific war, was absolute,” said Antoine Lambrosini, editor-in-chief covering the Ukraine war.

“Arman excelled in everything he did because he never lost sight of the fact that beyond the geopolitical implications of Russia’s war against Ukraine, there are men, women, children, parents, grandparents, siblings,” he added.

“We will forever carry with us your generous smile, your laughter and your courage, your consideration for others, your energy, your enthusiasm and your joy,” said Emmanuel Pesseau, an AFP journalist who was by his side on moment of his death.