Global Affairs Canada says it is aware of the death of a Canadian national after learning a young medical student fighting with Ukrainian forces was killed on the battlefield.
According to multiple media outlets, Grygorii (Greg) Tsekhmistrenko died near the town of Bakhmut on Sunday.
A friend of Mr Tsekhmistrenko spoke to The Canadian Press as he traveled to meet the fighter’s family to help organize the funeral.
Adam Thiemann says he learned from a soldier in Ukraine that Mr Tsekhmistrenko was killed on Sunday in the contested east Donetsk region, where fighting has been going on for months.
Mr Thiemann says he fought alongside Mr Tsekhmistrenko for months as part of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion.
He says the medic, who held dual citizenship, was a popular member of his unit who studied tactical medicine before joining the Foreign Legion.
“He was so happy to help. It’s not the nurse who didn’t want to be there or who took a shortcut,” he said.
Jack Frye, a friend who also fought alongside Mr Tsekhmistrenko, said the medic returned to Ukraine early in the war.
“He was one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever met. He was alive, doing what was right, and helping others,” he said in an email exchange.
“Everyone loved Greg. I’m glad I had the privilege of being his friend and fighting alongside him.”
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