Neither Ukrainian nor Irish authorities have ever stated that only three Irish nationals were killed while serving in Ukraine’s armed forces. In November 2025, media outlets reported the confirmed death of a fourth Irish citizen, Alex Ryzhuk, underscoring that the figures cited in viral claims do not reflect official records.
Russian state media have circulated claims that, during a visit to Ireland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deliberately understated the number of Irish volunteer fighters killed in Ukraine, alleging the figure was reduced “by three times.”
Pro-Kremlin commentators argue that the decision to honor three specific servicemen amounted to an implicit admission that “only three” Irish nationals had been killed. That interpretation does not hold up. During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky made no statements about casualty figures. The event was diplomatic and commemorative, not a briefing on losses. The awards were presented to families whose paperwork had been completed and who were able to attend at the time of the visit. The additional names that propagandists claim were “concealed” have long been public, and their deaths have been reported by international media.
In addition, in November 2025 the BBC reported the confirmed death of Alex Ryzhuk, describing him as the fourth Irish citizen killed in the war in Ukraine. The Irish Examiner likewise reported that four Irish nationals had been killed. Taken together, these accounts underscore that there was no understatement or concealment of information.
It is also worth noting that Russian outlets deliberately use the term “mercenary” to strip the fallen of the protections afforded by the Geneva Conventions. In practice, foreign volunteers serve as members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, sign formal contracts, and hold the legal status of combatants under international law.
Previously, StopFake debunked claims that Ukrainians of conscription age living in Ireland were allegedly being issued extradition notices.
