A former Army Green Beret died this week after he was caught in a Russian artillery barrage whereas combating on the aspect of Ukraine within the besieged metropolis of Bakhmut.

Retired Staff Sgt. Nicholas Maimer, 45, was in a constructing that collapsed after being hit by an artillery bombardment throughout front-line combating in japanese Ukraine.

“From what I understand, he was providing [Ukrainians] with firsthand training in that area so that they can continue to do the fight, and he got caught behind enemy lines,” retired Army Lt. Col. Perry Blackburn advised the Idaho Statesman newspaper.

Mr. Maimer was a resident of Boise, Idaho, when he went to Ukraine to supply his assist.

Mr. Blackburn is a founding father of the nonprofit group AFGfree, which delivers meals and medical provides to civilians in elements of Ukraine that different nongovernmental organizations are unable to succeed in.

“AFGfree’s mission parallels Nick’s humanitarian efforts,” he stated in an announcement. 

On Tuesday, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the pinnacle of the Russian Wagner Group mercenary military, displayed what he claimed have been the physique and identification paperwork of an American navy veteran on the group’s Telegram channel.

According to the Idaho Statesman, family members recognized the physique on the video as that of Mr. Maimer.

“Of course, I will hand over the body of the American,” Mr. Prigozhin stated.

Mr. Blackburn supplied his condolences to the household of the fallen veteran.

“We have always known him to be a humble, compassionate man that carried on the Special Forces motto, ‘De Opresso Liber’ — Free the Oppressed. Nick was a humanitarian at heart,” he stated.

Bakhmut has been the scene of a few of the heaviest combating between Ukraine and Russia as a part of the bigger battle for the disputed Donbas area. Russian forces have managed to take many of the metropolis, though Ukraine continues to combat again.

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