An Irish man fighting in Ukraine against Russian forces has been reported missing and is presumed dead. Alex Ryzhuk, a 20-year-old from Dublin, had been volunteering with Ukrainian forces when he disappeared in recent weeks. Ryzhuk, born to Ukrainian parents, travelled to Ukraine shortly after turning 18, motivated by a desire to support his ancestral homeland in its conflict against Russia.
Volunteering to Fight in Ukraine
Alex Ryzhuk, though raised in Ireland, felt a strong connection to Ukraine due to his family roots. After turning 18, he made the decision to travel to Ukraine to join the military forces as a volunteer. Ryzhuk underwent training in Kyiv and later became a member of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, where he operated as a drone pilot. Throughout his service, he was deployed to key battlefronts, including Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Kharkiv, areas that have seen some of the most intense fighting since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
In an interview earlier this year, Ryzhuk expressed his understanding of the dangers involved in the conflict. He acknowledged that war is perilous, with death being an ever-present risk. “War is not a joke,” Ryzhuk said during a televised interview. “Death in war is a very high probability. It is something that constantly happens, even if it’s not to you, it’s to someone else, or to someone you know.”
Presumed Missing, Feared Dead
In recent weeks, Ryzhuk was reported missing by fellow soldiers in Ukraine. The details surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, but it is feared that he may have been killed in action. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland has confirmed that it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance to the family. However, the department has refrained from providing further details, as is customary in consular matters.
Ryzhuk’s case has drawn attention in Ireland, as he is the latest Irish citizen to have joined the Ukrainian forces in their defense against Russian aggression. The Irishman’s disappearance has underscored the personal sacrifices that many volunteers have made, with some losing their lives in the ongoing conflict.
If Ryzhuk’s death is confirmed, he would be the fourth Irish citizen to die in the war in Ukraine.
Other Irish Casualties in Ukraine
Ryzhuk’s disappearance comes after three other Irishmen lost their lives while fighting in Ukraine. Graham Dale, a 45-year-old from Raheny in Dublin, was killed in December 2023. Dale had traveled to Ukraine as a volunteer and fought alongside Ukrainian forces for several months before his death. He was remembered by friends and family as someone deeply committed to the Ukrainian cause.
Another Irish volunteer, Finbar Cafferkey, was killed in April 2023. Cafferkey, a man in his 40s from Achill Island in County Mayo, had a history of activism and was drawn to Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. His family described him as a brave individual who believed in fighting for freedom and justice, wherever that battle took him.
Rory Mason, a 23-year-old from Dunboyne in County Meath, died in October 2022 while fighting near the Russian border as part of Ukraine’s International Legion. Mason had joined the Legion to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia and was one of the first Irishmen to lose his life in the conflict.
Ryzhuk’s Future Plans and Legacy
Before his disappearance, Ryzhuk had plans to return to Ireland after the war and join the Irish Defence Forces. He spoke openly about his aspirations during a recent interview, expressing hope that once the war ended, he could continue his military career back home. “After the war, I want to come back to Ireland and join the Defence Forces,” Ryzhuk said. He had a vision of using the skills and experience he gained during his time in Ukraine to serve Ireland in a more official capacity.
His words highlight the profound personal sacrifices many young men and women have made during the conflict in Ukraine. For Ryzhuk, fighting in Ukraine was not just a temporary decision but a deeply personal mission to defend his family’s homeland. His story resonates with the broader narrative of international volunteers who have joined the fight in Ukraine, coming from diverse backgrounds and risking their lives to support a cause they believe in.
The Growing Irish Connection to Ukraine’s War
The Irish government has consistently condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees. However, the participation of Irish volunteers in the war represents a more direct form of involvement. These individuals, like Ryzhuk and the others who have lost their lives, have made personal decisions to fight in a conflict far from home, driven by a sense of duty or a connection to the cause.
The fate of Alex Ryzhuk remains uncertain as Ukrainian authorities continue their search. His story, like that of other Irish volunteers, has captivated the attention of many in Ireland, drawing attention to the broader humanitarian and personal toll of the war in Ukraine.
As of now, his family and friends await official confirmation regarding his status, holding onto hope that he may still be found.
