Zelensky sends a letter to American journalist Brent Renaud’s family after he was killed by Russian forces in Ukraine. 

According to Andriy Nebytov, the head of Kyiv’s regional police force, 50-year-old filmmaker, Brent Renaud was killed after Russian forces opened fire outside the capital of Kyiv. 

On Sunday, TIME issued a statement clarifying why Renaud was in the town of Irpin. “In recent weeks, Brent was in the region working on a TIME Studios project focused on the global refugee crisis.” 

Renaud was travelling with documentary filmmaker Juan Arredondo who was injured in the attack. 

“Somebody offered to take us to the other bridge, and we crossed a checkpoint, and they started shooting at us,” said Arredondo. “So the driver turned around, and they kept shooting, two of us. My friend is Brent Renaud, and he’s been shot and left behind. I saw him being shot in the neck, and we got split, and I got pulled.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been praised for his bravery and exceptional leadership throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sent his condolences to Renaud’s family. 

“It is with deep sadness that I am writing to extend my heartfelt condolences to you on the tragic loss of your beloved son and brother, Brent Renaud,” wrote President Zelensky. 

“A talented and brave journalist, Brent lost his life while documenting human tragedy, devastation and suffering of the millions of Ukrainians. With all his courage and determination, he travelled to the most dangerous war zones to film the unprecedented ruthlessness and evil, also inflicted upon our nation by the aggressor state.

The people of Ukraine, who are fighting against the Russian regime to defend their Homeland and democracy in the world, are mourning with you.

We are thankful to Brent for his professionalism and commitment to the values compassion, ethics and justice.

May Brent’s life, service and sacrifice inspire generations of people all around the world to stand up in fight for the forces of light against forces of darkness.”