“Suddenly, the Sky Darkened”: Remembering French Photojournalist Antoni Lallican Killed in a Russian Drone Strike

The morning of October 3 turned tragic for French photojournalist Antoni Lallican, as a Russian drone targeted him and his Ukrainian colleague, Hryhorii Ivanchenko. The two were in the same vehicle at the time of the strike, near Druzhkivka, Donetsk region.

The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) reported the news, highlighting that both journalists were wearing bulletproof vests marked with the word “PRESS.”

“Once again, the enemy has cynically violated the norms of International Humanitarian Law. This incident further underscores the treachery and brutality of the enemy’s forces,” the Ukrainian 4th Heavy Mechanized Brigade wrote in a statement.

Lallican is the first active journalist to be killed by a remotely piloted drone during the war, the New York Times reported, citing press associations.

Life and career

Antoni Lallican began his journalistic career at the age of 30, focusing primarily on shedding light on societal issues in conflict zones. His impactful work was featured in prominent international outlets, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, Libération, Mediapart, Der Spiegel, Zeit, Die Welt, Le Temps, Der Standard, and La Presse.

In January 2024, Lallican was awarded the prestigious Victor Hugo Prize for “Committed Photography” for his poignant series titled “Suddenly the Sky Darkened,” which documented the war in Ukraine.

Tributes

Social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes to Lallican, with colleagues and friends recalling not only his professionalism but also his deep empathy for those he encountered. Many shared that Antoni was not just dedicated to his craft but also sincerely moved by the suffering he witnessed.

The primary threat to journalists in Ukraine, just like civilians, is Russian drones, said Sergiy Tomilenko, President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine.

“These are not collateral victims of war—they are targeted attacks on those who strive to document the crimes of the aggressor,” Tomilenko said on Facebook. “Every day on the front lines, every trip to the frontline zones is a life-threatening risk.”

He continued to emphasize that journalists take on this risk to deliver the truth about Russia’s aggression to the world.

“Antoni Lallican did this over and over again—he came to Ukraine, traveled to Donbas, and documented what many prefer not to see,” he said. “He built a visual bridge between the world and our reality. Now, he himself has become a part of this tragic story.”

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences, sharing the profound loss of a talented photojournalist.

“Our fellow countryman, photojournalist Antoni Lallican, accompanied Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines,” Macron wrote on X. “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of his death from a strike by Russian drones. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all his colleagues who, risking their lives, continue to inform us and bear witness to the realities of war.”

Documentary photographer Patryk Jaracz also paid tribute to Lallican: “It is hard to believe, but today we lost a dedicated photojournalist and a friend, dear Antoni Lallican… Rest in peace, my friend.”

French journalist Théophile Simon shared personal memories of Antoni, saying that not a single person who crossed Antoni’s path remained indifferent to his elegance: “I remember that little girl we interviewed in Syria, condemned by a serious illness. Once back in Paris, you could have forgotten about her. Instead, you moved heaven and earth to help her, all in perfect secrecy.”

Your photos will resonate throughout this century. Generations of journalists will know your story. Ukraine will honor your name. The light of Donbas will draw your smile. Would you have imagined all this the first time you laid your hands on your old camera?

Théophile Simon

French Journalist

Lallican was the third French journalist to be killed by Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the Ukrainian Journalists' Union and IFJ reported.

The Russian forces have killed at least 130 media workers, including at least 18 journalists as of September 9, 2025, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Alongside Antoni Lallican, these journalists have paid with their lives for their reporting in the field,” EFJ and IFJ wrote. “We pay tribute to the courage of Antoni Lallican and all the journalists who continue to cover the war. We demand that the perpetrators of his crime be brought to justice.”

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