Former Irish Army Ranger killed in action in Ukraine

A former member of the elite wing of the Irish Army Rangers has been killed in battles against Russian forces in Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing The Irish Times

Details: Robert Deegan, a 29-year-old from Newbridge in County Kildare was fatally wounded while fighting for Ukraine last Thursday, though news of his death in battle only surfaced on Sunday.

It remains unclear whether his remains have been recovered by his Ukrainian brothers-in-arms, although several sources in Ireland indicated that they believe recovery efforts are still ongoing.

Although Robert Deegan seemingly had no ties to Ukraine before Russia's invasion in February 2022, he was deeply convinced that the Russians must be defeated. 

Sources describe him as a highly principled person, determined to play his part in Ukraine's struggle and always intent on returning to the war, even after sustaining an injury there two years ago.

In October 2022, while driving on duty, he hit an improvised explosive device. Deegan suffered serious injuries, including facial wounds, and lost an eye as a result. 

He was evacuated back to Ireland, where he underwent treatment and rehabilitation, then returned to Ukraine earlier this year. In Ukraine, he served with the Stuhna special unit, which takes part in complex and dangerous missions.

He was fatally wounded while covering his team's retreat from the area during battles with Russian forces.

Robert Deegan joined the Irish Defence Forces 11 years ago and earned a coveted spot in the Army Ranger Wing in 2017. His father is a former member of the Defence Forces who also served in the Army Ranger Wing, while his brother is an active serviceman. Sources describe them as a highly respected military family.

Speaking yesterday at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, Irish President Michael D. Higgins expressed condolences to the family of the former Irish soldier, calling his death "a terrible tragedy".

Background: Last December, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of one of its citizens in Ukraine who was fighting against Russia's full-scale invasion.

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