A 30-year-old Austrian volunteer has died fighting for Ukraine, according to the Austrian newspaper Österreich (oe24) and confirmation from the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
The volunteer has been identified as Richard S. He was reportedly killed during a recent Russian drone attack.
Richard S. traveled to Ukraine to support the country in its fight against the Russian invasion. His Ukrainian girlfriend shared the news of his death on Instagram, accompanied by a tribute to his dedication.
“He loved his homeland, Austria, and his family, but since the beginning of the great war, he came to support my family in Ukraine,” she wrote.
Richard S. would have celebrated his 30th birthday just two weeks ago.
According to Österreich, Richard S. had ties to the far-right “Identitarian Movement” in Austria, a group known for its nationalist views and anti-immigration activism.
He reportedly participated in several of the group’s actions, including events in Graz.
Richard S. is one of several foreign volunteers who have joined Ukraine’s resistance against Russian forces, motivated by personal convictions or a desire to support the country’s sovereignty.
His death follows the recent loss of Latvian volunteer Edgar Platonov, who was also killed in action earlier in January.
Foreign fighters face immense risks on the front lines, including drone strikes and other advanced weaponry employed in the conflict.