AWOL Navy SEAL Killed Fighting Russian Forces In Ukraine

American Navy SEAL A man who was AWOL for almost four years was killed while fighting in earlier this week. Ukraine.

A U.S. Navy official said TIME Daniel Swift, a Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class, was killed in an attack by Russian forces on a Ukrainian unit that he was part of.

“We can confirm the recent death of a U.S. citizen fighting in Ukraine,” a U.S. State Department statement said without confirming Swift’s identity. “We are in touch with his family and providing all possible consular assistance. Out of respect for the privacy of the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add.”

Swift, who is listed as an active deserter on March 11, 2019, was previously deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received three medals, according to TIME. The AWOL Navy Seal was last updated stationed in Coronado, California.

CBS News reported that Swift is one of eight Americans who were killed in Ukraine after Russia invaded last February. reported. Bryan Young and Luke Lucyszyn were both killed last summer while fighting invading Russian forces.

Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, warned Americans not to travel to Ukraine or attempt to join the war against Russia last March.

“U.S. citizens who travel to Ukraine — especially with the purpose of participating in fighting there — they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death,” Price stated. “The United States, as you know, is not able to provide assistance to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine, including those Americans who may decide to travel to Ukraine to participate in the ongoing war.”

The administration reiterated President Joe Biden’s statement that the United States won’t send troops into Ukraine. boosted It sent President Volodymyr Zilensky more offensive weapons earlier in the month to show its support for the European nation.

The Biden administration announced that 50 Bradley Fighting Vehicles were being sent to Ukraine by the United States along with long-range rockets systems. The administration’s announcement came less than one month after Zelensky visited the White House and begged Congress for more aid.