Original article on RTE.ie
Alex Ryzhuk, a young man born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents, grew up in the Rathmines area before traveling to Ukraine last year to join the military. Sadly, Alex is now missing in action and presumed dead. The Department of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the situation and is offering consular support to his family.
In a recent interview with Irish filmmaker Finn Boylan of Finn House Films, Alex shared his experiences on the frontline and his thoughts on the war. The interview, part of coverage broadcast on Prime Time on 8 August, highlighted Alex’s personal journey and his deep connection to both Ireland and Ukraine.
The horrors of the war, particularly the reports of atrocities committed by Russian forces in Bucha in April 2022, along with the loss of close friends and relatives, spurred Alex to leave Dublin and head to Ukraine in early 2023.
“At that moment, I knew I couldn’t stay in Ireland any longer,” Alex told Finn Boylan.
Alex, who was just 18 years old when he left for the frontlines, had spent his entire life in Ireland with his parents, who originally hailed from Rivne, Ukraine. Reflecting on his upbringing, he said, “My parents came to Ireland over 23 years ago, and I’ve been living in Ireland ever since.”
As a drone pilot with the Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, operating under the callsign ‘Irlandets,’ Alex had expressed his intention to return to Ireland after the war. Despite his strong ties to Ukraine, he acknowledged the opportunities Ireland had given him.
“I was born and raised in Ireland, and I’m grateful for all that Ireland has provided me. I consider myself Irish, but I also carry the heritage of my parents with me,” he said.
Alex spoke fondly of his time at Synge Street CBS in Dublin 8, where he had many good memories. “I’ll have to come back to visit once I return,” he added.
In the interview, Alex also discussed his plans to join the Defence Forces upon his return to Ireland after the war. He was acutely aware of the dangers he faced on the frontlines, stating, “War is not a joke; the likelihood of death in war is very high. It happens constantly, whether to you, someone else, or someone you know.”
He further elaborated on the harsh realities of war, emphasizing the bonds formed in such extreme conditions and the painful loss of close friends. “War is brutal. When someone dies, our biggest responsibility is to bring their bodies back so they can have a proper funeral,” he said.
Alex had been involved in some of the fiercest fighting in Avdiivka and other areas along the frontline in Ukraine’s east and southeast. He is believed to have gone missing in the Kharkiv region.
Reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who have died, Alex remarked, “When someone gives their life for this cause, they give the most valuable thing they have. At the end of the day, a human being’s most valuable asset is their life. Unfortunately, those who died gave that for this country.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed, “The Department of Foreign Affairs 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.”
