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Elaine McCallig
Feb 24, 2022
CNN reporter hears explosions in Kiev during live reporting, puts on flak ...
CNN
A CNN reporter in Kiev, Ukraine had to pause his broadcast to put on a flak jacket and helmet as explosions were heard in the background.
CNN’s senior international correspondent Matthew Chance was broadcasting on CNN’s Don Lemon Tonight in the early hours of Thursday morning to report on the situation in Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in the east of the country.
CNN\u2019s Matthew Chance in Kyiv, Ukraine, stops his live reporting to put on gear as he and the team hear loud explosions near the city. https://cnn.it/3h9ua1Z\u00a0pic.twitter.com/YShfN9OBQf— CNN (@CNN) 1645677283
As Chance spoke from a hotel rooftop in the city, popping could be heard in the background.
The British reporter said: “I just heard a big bang right here behind me. I probably shouldn’t have done the live shot here. There are big explosions taking place in Kiev right now.”
He added: “I can hear rumblings right now.”
He said he felt relatively safe before another explosion could be heard in the background.
Chance then leaned down to pick up a flak jacket with “press” written across it from the ground and put it on, along with a helmet.
Chance’s bravery was praised on Twitter, with one user remarking: “‘Hero’ is not a strong enough word for journalists who put their safety on the line for the public to know the truth.”
"Hero" is not a strong enough word for journalists who put their safety on the line for the public to know the truth.https://twitter.com/brianstelter/status/1496684562767884292\u00a0\u2026— Preston Moore (He/Him) (@Preston Moore (He/Him)) 1645675349
journalists in conflict zones are absolutely extraordinary for the work they dohttps://twitter.com/brianstelter/status/1496684562767884292\u00a0\u2026— Samuel Taylor (@Samuel Taylor) 1645682173
Remarkable live reporting in what must be an intensely stressful situation.https://twitter.com/brianstelter/status/1496684562767884292\u00a0\u2026— Adam Hancock (@Adam Hancock) 1645674946
"I told you we shouldn't have done the live shot here" oh dearhttps://twitter.com/brianstelter/status/1496684562767884292\u00a0\u2026— Tara Mulholland (@Tara Mulholland) 1645673776
Thinking of all of the journalists who are risking their lives to bring these stories to us half a world away. Praying for their safety.https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1496684405519171585\u00a0\u2026— Cassie Semyon (@Cassie Semyon) 1645673227
These news reporters really put their life on the line to report news I admire themhttps://twitter.com/brianstelter/status/1496684562767884292\u00a0\u2026— Claire\ud83e\uddf8 (@Claire\ud83e\uddf8) 1645673417
CNN\u2019s Matthew Chance reporting live in Kyiv right now hearing massive explosions. \n\nPraying for Ukraine and our teams on the ground.— Abby D. Phillip (@Abby D. Phillip) 1645672151
Thinking of all of the journalists who are risking their lives to bring these stories to us half a world away. Praying for their safety.https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1496684405519171585\u00a0\u2026— Cassie Semyon (@Cassie Semyon) 1645673227
Chance was also filmed outside of Antonov Airport, about 25 miles outside of Kiev. CNN reports that Russian troops have taken control of the airport.
This is absolutely insane. CNN is literally standing next to Russian forces as they take a Ukrainian airport just outside of Kyiv.pic.twitter.com/Nif9xxs8Mx— Marcel Dirsus (@Marcel Dirsus) 1645712458
Absolutely horrifying. Such brave reporting.https://twitter.com/natashabertrand/status/1496849053824471041\u00a0\u2026— Melissa Stephens (@Melissa Stephens) 1645714721
For more Ukraine news, follow The Independent's live blog.
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