Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised brave journalists who risked their lives to cover Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, after inviting News Corp Chairman and Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch to a meeting in Kiev.
Murdoch, 52, traveled to the Ukrainian capital on Monday with Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall and The Sun reporter Jerome Starkey.
The wartime president publicly thanked them for their “comprehensive coverage of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression” and for informing the world about “Russian atrocities despite the risks to themselves.”
Zelensky also touted the visit as a “very important sign” of support at a time when global media attention has shifted from the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its 21st month, to the conflict now raging between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
It was Hall’s first trip back to the war-torn country since he narrowly survived a Russian attack while covering the invasion last year.
Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch (right) traveled to Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Instagram/Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelensky’s office described Murdoch’s visit as a “very important signal” of support for Ukraine. Instagram/Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Hall, who was photographed at the meeting wearing a prosthetic leg, was part of a group of Fox News reporters who were attacked by Russia in March 2022.
Cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski, 55, and Ukrainian repairman Oleksandra “Sasha” Kuvshynova, 24, died in an explosion while passing through the abandoned village of Horenka.
Zelensky awarded the Order of Merit to Hall for his “outstanding personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
Zelensky (right) also met with Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall (left), who was injured in a Russian attack last year, and awarded him the Order of Merit. X/Nana Sajaia
“All this time, journalists, cameramen, editors, photographers and drivers have been on the front line. Since this is a hybrid war, information is also a weapon in Russian hands,” Zelenksy said.
“My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those brave men and women who lost their lives trying to show what is happening in Ukraine. In particular, it is thanks to journalists from many countries that we now have that support in the world.”
During his first trip back to Ukraine since his brush with death 18 months ago, Hall also had the opportunity to interview Zelensky, whose interview is scheduled to air Tuesday on “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
Hall nearly died in March 2022 while covering the war in Ukraine.
Hall also met with Ukrainian special forces soldiers who helped bring him to safety after the bombing.
Since then, the journalist has undergone about 30 surgeries, lost his right leg below the knee, his left foot, the use of his left hand and the sight in his left eye.
Hall, a married father of three, documented his incredible story of survival and grueling recovery in a memoir published earlier this year, titled “Saved: A War Reporter’s Mission to Get Home.”
A Russian attack killed 55-year-old Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski. Fox News Ukrainian correspondent Oleksandra “Sasha” Kuvshynova, 24, also died in the attack outside kyiv.
Just hours after Murdoch’s meeting with Zelensky in kyiv, the Pentagon announced additional military aid to Ukraine valued at $100 million.
This latest package will include Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, HIMARS, Javelin anti-armor systems, artillery shells, more than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition and other equipment needed “to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory and fight for its freedom from attack From Russia”. ongoing war of aggression,” the Pentagon said in a news release.
This new round of military assistance was first revealed by Secretary of State Lloyd Austin during his surprise visit to kyiv on Monday.
Hall, a father of three, underwent about 30 surgeries and lost his right leg and left foot. Emmy Park for the NY Post Secretary of State Lloyd Austin met with Zelensky on Monday and announced a new $100 million military aid package. AP
“The message I bring to you today, Mr. President, is that the United States of America is with you. We will stay with you for a long time,” Austin told Zelensky.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said the visit showed Washington’s “unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”
“We count on your support,” Zelensky told Austin.
With postal cables
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Source: vtt.edu.vn