Irish citizen serving in Ukraine missing and presumed dead 

An Irish man serving in Ukraine is missing and presumed dead. Picture: AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka

A 20-year-old Irish man who was fighting alongside the Ukrainian army in the eastern part of the country is missing in action and presumed dead.

Alex Ryzhuk, from South Dublin, who was born to Ukrainian parents, travelled  to Ukraine to serve as a volunteer with the Ukrainian Foreign Legion when he turned 18.

It is understood Mr Ryzhuk was fighting near the frontline in East Ukraine, and was reported missing a few weeks ago. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs said: "The Department is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

"As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases."

Mariya Starukh from the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland said it was very sad news, particularly as the local community prepare to mark Ukraine independence day this weekend.

She said with the current situation many Ukrainians living in Ireland hear regularly about loved ones going missing, and it can be very difficult to get updates and developments from Ukraine where the fighting is taking place.

"It is hard to explain just how that feels," she told the PA news agency.

"It is very sad to hear news of such a young man going missing. We hope he can be found."

If Mr Ryzhuk's death is confirmed, he will be the fourth Irish man to die fighting in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

Graham Dale, aged 45, from Raheny in Dublin was killed in December 2023.

Finbar Cafferkey, who was also in his 40s and from Achill Island in Co Mayo, died fighting in April 2023.

Rory Mason, 23, from Dunboyne in Co Meath, died while fighting for Ukraine's International Legion near the Russian border in October 2022.