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Two Americans believed to have been fighting in Ukraine have died in the war since Russia invaded earlier this year.
“We can confirm the recent deaths of two American citizens in the Donbas region of Ukraine,” a State Department spokesman told Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson.
“We are in contact with the families and providing all possible consular assistance,” added the spokesman. “Out of respect for the families at this difficult time, we have nothing more to add.”
On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new US military assistance for Ukraine, including more advanced HIMARS rocket systems and other weapons.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks June 1, 2022, during a news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
“The people of Ukraine inspire the world as they defend their country and their freedom against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression,” Blinken said. “The United States continues to work with allies and partners in more than 50 countries to provide vital security assistance to support Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.” .
At least three other Americans were reported to have died fighting in Ukraine.
In March, Blinken confirmed that an American citizen had been killed there, and The New York Times reported that local police said James Whitney Hill, 68, had been killed in the city of Chernihiv.
State Emergency Service experts remove Russian bombs in Chernihiv, Ukraine, April 21, 2022. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)
His identity was confirmed by Anton Gerayshenko, adviser to the Ukrainian Ministry of the Interior.
In April, Brittany Cancel confirmed to Fox News that her husband Willy Joseph Cancel had died fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
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The 22-year Navy veteran left behind his wife and 7-month-old son.
In June, the State Department confirmed the death of Stephen Zabielski, 52, who was killed in May.
Willy Cancel on tour in Japan. (Courtesy of Brittany Cancel)
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“We can confirm the death of US citizen Stephen Zabielski in Ukraine,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News. “We have been in contact with the family and have provided all possible consular assistance. Out of respect for the family at this difficult time, we have nothing more.”
Fox News’ Timothy HJ Nerozzi, Nick Kalman, Tyler O’Neil and Rebecca Rosenberg contributed to this report.