Topline
The State Department announced that Stephen Zabielski, an American citizen, died while fighting in Ukraine, but refused to provide further information about the exact circumstances of his death “out of respect to the family during this difficult time,” the AP reported.
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Key Facts
According to an obituary published by Zabielski’s hometown paper, he died while fighting in the village of Dorozhniank, Ukraine, on May 15.
Zabielski was 53 and worked in construction for more than 30 years, his obituary said.
Although originally from Amsterdam, New York, Zabielski lived in Florida for the past few years and is survived by his wife, five stepchildren, and seven siblings, along with other family members.
The State Department said it has been in touch with Zabieslki’s family to provide support and consular assistance, NBC reported.
The U.S. has repeatedly warned citizens not to travel to Ukraine because of its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Key Background
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky created the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine in March, encouraging foreigners to join the fight against Russia. Marine veteran Willy Joseph Cancel, who died at 22 in late April while fighting in Ukraine, was the first confirmed American death to occur in the country during the war. Cancel had been working for a private military contracting company when he was killed, CNN reported. Two other Americans who joined Ukraine’s war effort, Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Tai Huynh, 27, are currently missing, last seen in Kharkiv, the Washington Post reported. The two are believed to have been captured by Russian forces.
Further Reading
Second U.S. citizen killed in Ukraine combat, State Department says
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliecoleman/2022/06/21/state-department-confirms-death-of-second-american-in-ukraine/