Story By: Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
A Brazilian dad of seven who travelled to Ukraine to fight against the Russian Armed Forces as a volunteer has reportedly been killed in action.
Andre Luis Hack Bahi of Porto Alegre in southern Brazil allegedly became the first Brazilian to die in the conflict after he was reportedly killed in a Russian attack.
News of his passing at the age of 43 was announced by a friend who is in Ukraine on Sunday, 5th June.
In a statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “does not currently have confirmation of the death of a Brazilian citizen in Ukrainian territory as a result of the conflict in that country”.
And the Embassy of Brazil in Kyiv said it “continues to seek more information about the case and will remain available to provide the necessary assistance”.
The Consulate of Brazil in Kyiv and the Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil were also unable to confirm Andre’s death at the time of reporting.
Andre’s sister Leticia said: “Very sad, we are not certain yet. We will have to be patient, the city was destroyed. We have to be prepared.”
She added: “His name does not appear on any list.”
Andre was reportedly part of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. Before travelling to Ukraine, he had been living in Ceara state in north-eastern Brazil and had separated from his wife.
Leticia said: “He wanted to save lives, it was a big dream of his. He went to France, Portugal and got a letter [authorisation to go to the country].
“He felt sorry for the president of Ukraine and he turned up. Ukraine has to take responsibility.”
According to his family, Andre has seven children, served in the Brazilian Army and worked as a first responder in Porto Alegre.
He participated in a military assignment in the Ivory Coast, where he was wounded and was treated by French forces.
In the social media post announcing his apparent death, his friend – whose name was not revealed in reports – wrote (in Portuguese): “Andre Hack, you were a brave warrior and I am very grateful to you for helping to defend my country Ukraine from the Russian invaders.
“You fought with bravery alongside foreign and Ukrainian warriors.
“You will always be remembered as a true hero, and the Ukrainian people will always be grateful.
“Rest in peace, warrior. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.”
A top Ukrainian official said in early March that some 20,000 international volunteers had travelled to Ukraine to join in the fight against invading Russian forces.
