Two weeks have passed since four soldiers of the Foreign Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were killed in a drone attack on the Ukrainian front near Liman on the night of October 1.
Three of them – a Latvian, whose identity has not been revealed, respecting the wishes of relatives – an Estonian named Tanela Krigula, as well as an unnamed U.S. citizen were buried at a military ceremony in Kyiv.
Many comrades of the killed fighters had come to say goodbye, including the commander of the unit, Radion Batulin.
"I was the direct commander in their last mission. This mission involved representatives from all free European countries bordering Ukraine, as well as those who understand the danger of being next to Russia," Batulin said. "God bless Latvia! Long live Estonia! God bless America. Long live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!"
Batulin, describing the fallen Latvian soldier, told Latvian Radio that he had joined the unit about three months ago:
"We have already managed to complete several very successful missions. Our unit is made up of Belarusians, and he spoke about the fact that he understands that the war with Russia will not end until we liberate Ukraine and Belarus. Otherwise, there will always be threats to Latvia. He was a real patriot, a real nationalist He greatly respected everything related to Latvia.
Here he was not some kind of soldier of fortune or bribed, as some of the propaganda media might claim. This is a person who, first of all, emphasized that he represents Latvia's interests here."
After cremation, the remains of the fallen Latvian citizen will be returned to his homeland.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine have promised to provide all necessary support to the family of the soldier who died at the front, including covering the costs of repatriation. At the moment, there are estimated to be about 18 fighters from Latvia serving at the front with Ukrainian defenders.
