Zelensky praises “courageous” reporters covering the war after Fox boss Lachlan Murdoch visits Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the brave reporters 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 sit-in 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 telling the world about “Russian atrocities” “despite the risks to themselves.”
Zelensky also called the visit a “very important signal” 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 currently underway between Israel and Hamas is raging 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.
Hall, who was photographed wearing a prosthetic leg at the meeting, was among a group of Fox News reporters who came under Russian fire in March 2022.
Cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski (55) and Ukrainian fixer Oleksandra “Sasha” Kuvshynova (24) were killed in an explosion on their way through the deserted village of Horenka.
Zelensky awarded Hall the Order of Merit for his “outstanding personal contribution to strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, supporting the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
“The entire time, journalists, cameramen, editors, photographers and drivers were on the front lines. Since this is a hybrid war, information is also a weapon in Russian hands,” Zelenksy said.
“My sincerest condolences go out to the families and friends of these very brave men and women who lost their lives trying to show what is happening in Ukraine. It is especially thanks to the journalists from many countries that we now have so much support worldwide.”
Hall also had the opportunity to interview Zelensky during his first trip back to Ukraine since his brush with death 18 months ago. The session is scheduled to air Tuesday on “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
Hall also met with Ukrainian special forces soldiers who helped get him to safety after the bombing.
The journalist has since had to undergo around 30 operations, lost his right leg below the knee, his left foot, could no longer use his left hand and lost 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 Make It Home.”
Just hours after Murdoch’s meeting with Zelensky in Kiev, the Pentagon announced $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine.
This latest package includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, HIMARS, Javelin anti-tank 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 Russia.” “. ongoing war of aggression,” the Pentagon said in a press release.
This new round of military aid was first unveiled by Secretary of State Lloyd Austin during his own surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday.
“The message I bring to you today, Mr. President, is that the United States of America is with you. We will be loyal to you for the long haul,” Austin told Zelensky.
U.S. 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 post wires
