'A young and brave man' - Ukrainians say they 'won’t give up’ on missing Irish man Alex Ryzhuk

Ukrainian communities in Ireland have said that they won't ‘give up hope’ for Alex Ryzhuk, a Dublin soldier who who has been missing in action and presumed dead in the war-torn country.

Alex Ryzhuk was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents and lived in the Rathmines area of the city. He travelled to Ukraine last year to join the military.

The 20 year-old had been serving as a volunteer with the Ukrainian military in combat against Russian forces, but it is understood he was reported missing in recent weeks after getting involved in fighting in eastern Ukraine.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

Clare Catterson, headteacher at Synge Street CBS in Portobello where Alex was a former student, told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that when the news broke, teachers reached out to her in shock.

She told RTÉ's Morning Ireland: "There was great shock and sadness because they remember the young man who was just three short years ago walking these corridors in his school uniform with a smile on his face and wanting to help in any way he could.

"He was just one of those all-rounders, a very dedicated student as well."

She said he was well-known throughout the school and a "good role model" for younger students.

She added: "He was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage. He was bilingual.

"You would have heard him on the corridors speaking to other Ukrainian students in his own language ... definitely he would often speak about having been home during the summers to visit relatives."

Mariya Starukh, of the Association of Ukrainians in Republic of Ireland, paid tribute to Mr Ryzhuk, telling the Irish Daily Mail that they had been in touch with Alex's relatives.

"We’d like to not give up hope," Mariya told the Daily Mail. "We would like to remain strong and hopefully we will have more information soon."

She added: "The community are very worried. He is young and brave man."

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