An Irishman who was fighting with Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine is missing in action and presumed dead.
Alex Ryzhuk, 20, had been serving as a volunteer with the Ukrainian military, but it is understood he was reported missing in recent weeks.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
In a statement to RTÉ News, it added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”
It is understood Mr Ryzhuk’s family in Ireland has been informed that he is officially missing.
The Irish Times first reported that he was missing and presumed dead.
Mr Ryzhuk was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents and lived in the Rathmines area. He travelled to Ukraine last year to join the military.
He was a drone pilot with the Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, operating under the call sign ‘Irlandets’.
He was interviewed recently by Irish filmmaker Finn Boylan of FinnHouse Films as part of coverage broadcast on RTÉ’s Prime Time on 8 August about developments in the war.
He said in the interview that he intended to return to Ireland and join the Defence Forces after the Ukraine conflict ended.
“War is not a joke, death in war is a very high probability,” he said. “It is something that constantly happens, even if it’s not to you, it’s to someone else, or to someone you know,” he added.
A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy in Dublin said it understands the man is “missing in action” in Ukraine.
The Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland said it was sad news, particularly as the community prepares to mark Ukraine independence day this weekend.
Spokesperson Mariya Starukh said that many Ukrainians living in Ireland regularly hear about loved ones going missing during the fighting, and it can be very difficult to get updates from the country.
“It is hard to explain just how that feels,” she said.
“It is very sad to hear news of such a young man going missing. We hope he can be found.”