A 20-year-old Irish man serving as a volunteer in eastern Ukraine is missing in action and presumed dead following a suspected Russian drone attack. Alex Ryzhuk from Rathmines in south Dublin was officially deemed missing in action by the Ukrainian military while serving on the frontline in the war against Russia earlier this month. According to a Ukrainian medic familiar with the incident, Mr Ryzhuk, who went by the name “Irlandets” (“Irishman” in Ukrainian), may have been hit by a Russian drone. Mr Ryzhuk’s family and girlfriend have been informed that he is officially missing, pending confirmation of his death.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance to Ryzhuk’s family, adding that they do not comment on the details of individual cases. Ryzhuk, an Irish citizen born to Ukrainian parents, travelled to Ukraine to join the Ukrainian Foreign Legion after turning 18. He was eager to help his ancestral homeland, even going so far as to get a new passport when his parents confiscated his first in an attempt to stop him from going to Ukraine. He joined the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, known for its elite reputation and involvement in some of the toughest battles of the war. He was deployed to Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Kharkiv.
Drone Pilot and Hero
Ryzhuk’s skills as a drone pilot, specifically using First-Person-View (FPV) drones, earned him recognition and an award from his commander. He set a new record for his unit by using FPV drones to hit six Russian artillery guns and kill two Russian soldiers in Avdiivka. In a video posted on the Butusov Plus YouTube channel on March 23rd, Ryzhuk speaks in Ukrainian and explains that while he is an Irish citizen, he grew up speaking Ukrainian with his parents. He says he was 17 years old when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and was eager to be involved in the war effort.
A Life Cut Short
If his death is confirmed, Ryzhuk would be the fourth and youngest Irish man to die fighting for Ukraine against Russian forces. The other Irish nationals who have died fighting for Ukraine are Graham Dale (45) from Raheny, north Dublin, who was killed in December 2023; Finbar Cafferkey (45), from Achill Island, who was killed while fighting in eastern Ukraine in April 2023; and Rory Mason (23), from Dunboyne, Co Meath, who was killed in September 2022. Ryzhuk’s story highlights the human cost of the war in Ukraine and the sacrifices made by those who choose to fight for what they believe in. He was known for his bravery and dedication to the cause of Ukrainian freedom, which he saw as a reflection of his own Ukrainian heritage. His death is a tragedy and a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
An Irish Patriot
Despite his choice to fight for Ukraine, Ryzhuk expressed his strong patriotism for Ireland. He emphasized his intention to return to Ireland after the war, join the Defence Forces, and live peacefully. However, he also recognized the complexities of the conflict and the need to remain prepared for any eventuality. He viewed Ukraine’s fight for freedom as a parallel to Ireland’s own history of struggle and maintained that he would return to Ireland to defend his homeland if necessary.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of Alex Ryzhuk is not just a headline. It is a testament to the power of human connection, the enduring legacy of conflict, and the unwavering commitment to a cause. Ryzhuk’s journey and ultimate sacrifice, while heartbreaking, serves as a reminder of the importance of individual agency, the sacrifices made for ideals, and the complexities of global events that shape our world. It is a story that resonates beyond the confines of news cycles and continues to touch lives, demonstrating the enduring power of human courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
