What Happened to Arman Soldin? French Journalist died in Rocket Attack near Bakhmut, Ukraine
Arman Soldin was a French journalist who worked as a video coordinator for the international news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Ukraine. He lost his life by rocket fire near Bakhmut, a besieged city in eastern Ukraine, on May 9, 2023. He was 32 years old.
A devoted reporter who saw history in the making
Soldin was among the first AFP journalists who went to Ukraine after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. He covered the conflict from its early stages, going to the front lines and showing the effects of the war on civilians and soldiers alike.
He was a devoted reporter who saw history in the making. He recorded the scenes of fierce fighting, humanitarian crises, and political unrest with his camera and his words. He also revealed the human side of the war, talking to people who endured violence, displacement, and hardship.
Soldin was not scared to take risks to get the story. He often worked in perilous conditions, under fire or in areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists. He was recognized for his fearlessness and persistence, as well as his professionalism and ethics.
He was also a friendly and cheerful person, who loved life and had a good sense of humor. He was well-liked by his colleagues and friends, who described him as “full of enthusiasm for life” and “always kind, always fun and always happy”.
Arman Soldin’s Death Stunned the world
Soldin died on May 9, 2023, while he was with four other colleagues near the town of Chasiv Yar, close to Bakhmut, which had been the center of the fighting in eastern Ukraine for several months. They were with Ukrainian soldiers when they were attacked by rocket fire around 4:30 pm local time. Soldin was hit by shrapnel and died on the spot. The other journalists were not injured.
His death stunned the world and sparked an outcry from journalists’ organizations, human rights groups, and political leaders. The French judiciary started a war crime investigation into his death, as well as into other attacks on journalists in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government expressed its condolences and promised to bring those responsible to justice.
Soldin is one of several journalists killed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, including Fox News photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and consultant Oleksandra “Sasha” Kuvshynova, journalist and documentarian Brent Renaud, and photojournalist Maks Levin.
His death is also a reminder of the risks and dangers faced by journalists on a daily basis when covering conflicts around the world. According to Reporters Without Borders, 50 journalists were killed in 2022, most of them in war zones.
A legacy that lives on
Soldin left behind a legacy of courageous and insightful journalism that will live on through his work. His videos and articles have been widely viewed and shared by millions of people around the world. His stories have shed light on the realities of the war in Ukraine and its consequences for the region and beyond.
He also left behind a family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his parents, his brother, his sister-in-law, and his niece. They have expressed their grief and pride in their son and brother, who they said “died doing what he loved”.
Soldin will be remembered as a fearless and persistent journalist who reported on one of the most important stories of our time with dedication and integrity. He will be missed by his colleagues, his friends, and his viewers. He will be honored by his profession and his country.
Source: News Unzip
