Soldin, 32, was killed Tuesday during a rocket attack near Bakhmut. He was with a team of AFP journalists traveling with Ukrainian soldiers, AFP said.
Arman Soldin, a 32-year-old video coordinator for Agence France-Presse (AFP), was tragically killed during a rocket attack on Tuesday in eastern Ukraine, near the city of Bakhmut. Soldin was with a team of AFP journalists traveling alongside Ukrainian soldiers when they came under fire from Grad rockets. Despite the violent attack, the rest of the AFP team remained unharmed, though they witnessed the devastating incident.
The attack occurred in the late afternoon, in the vicinity of Chasiv Yar, a town near Bakhmut, which has been at the center of fierce fighting for several months. Russian forces have been attempting to capture Bakhmut for nearly nine months, leading to intense clashes in the region. This prolonged battle has become one of the longest and bloodiest in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Soldin’s tragic death highlights the inherent risks that journalists face while reporting from war zones, especially in areas where the fighting is most intense. His work in Ukraine had brought global attention to the situation on the ground, with his team providing critical video coverage of the war. AFP has expressed its grief over the loss, remembering Soldin as a dedicated professional who was deeply committed to his work, even in the most dangerous circumstances.
The location of the attack, Chasiv Yar, is situated near Bakhmut, a city that has witnessed one of the most protracted and brutal battles in recent military history. As Russian forces have pushed hard to seize control of the city, Ukrainian soldiers have been defending it fiercely, making Bakhmut a symbol of Ukrainian resilience. The city’s strategic importance has led to its portrayal as the epicenter of the war, with both sides suffering heavy losses in their attempts to control it.
Soldin’s death is a stark reminder of the toll the war in Ukraine is taking not only on soldiers but also on journalists and other civilians caught in the crossfire. Despite the danger, reporters continue to risk their lives to document the war, shedding light on the human cost of the conflict and providing critical information to the world. The loss of Soldin is felt deeply within the journalism community, where his contributions were highly regarded.
Agence France-Presse has stated that it will continue to support the remaining members of the team affected by the attack and is working closely with Ukrainian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The agency also expressed its condolences to Soldin’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists in conflict zones.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the risks to those covering the conflict remain high, and the loss of journalists like Arman Soldin serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who strive to inform the world of the realities of war. The international community must continue to advocate for the protection of journalists in conflict zones, ensuring that they can carry out their vital work without fear for their safety.