American Fighting in Ukraine Killed in Avdiivka

Ethan Hertweck, an American fighting in Ukraine against Russian forces, has been killed in Avdiivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, a fellow soldier has said.

Hertweck, 21, from California, was killed "in a ferocious battle" as he defended the war-torn town from being seized by Russian troops, an Australian volunteer fighting in Ukraine who goes by the name "Chip" said in a tribute on social media on Wednesday.

Clashes have been increasing in intensity in the Donetsk region, as Russia battles to seize the town of Avdiivka. Since October 10, Russia has poured thousands of troops, tanks and armored vehicles into the area, which has been described as the gateway to the city of Donetsk. Both Moscow and Kyiv have reportedly suffered high losses of troops and equipment.

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department for comment via email.

"Rest in Peace. American Ethan Hunter Hertweck, KIA in Avdiivka, Ukraine. A friend, a brother, a mentor," wrote Chip, describing him as "a kind soul and a good friend, one of the best you could ask for."

"I will miss the conversations we now, unfortunately, can never have again. I will always remember your kindness and sense of humor. Ethan had been training Ukrainian soldiers and Territorial defense soldiers, he then left on his own accord to fight side by side in Avdiivka where he was killed in a ferocious battle," he wrote.

"Rest in Peace brother, until we meet again."

His mother, Leslie Hertweck, confirmed the death in posts on her social media pages, and said the family is raising funds to bring her son home. She said she was contacted by the U.S. Embassy who said her son's unit was involved in "a very heavy fire fight" on December 8.

She shared a picture of her son in uniform that she said was painted by the wife of Hertweck's former team leader.

"She has painted one for every member who has served with the 131st Recon Battalion, Vidmak. This is AMAZING!!!! Ethan said this A LOT.... 'All that's necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing'," she said.

"This was supposed to be his last mission and then heading home for good on Dec.19th!" she wrote on Instagram.

Macer Gifford, a British volunteer in the Ukrainian military, said Hertweck had joined Ukraine's 131st Separate Reconnaissance Battalion as a combat medic, and had recently transferred to a different brigade "when he tragically lost his life resisting a Russian attack."

"Our dear friend and brother in arms, Ethan Hertweck, has died. A brave American volunteer," Gifford said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "You're a legend Ethan."

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Correction 12/20/23, 6:25 a.m. ET: This article was updated to correctly identify Hertweck's role as a combatant.

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