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10 Jun 2022, 01:41

Brazilian foreign ministry confirms death of its citizen in Ukraine

The diplomatic department noted that it maintains contact with his relatives

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 10. /TASS/. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil confirmed that a citizen of the Southern American country was killed "on the territory of Ukraine as a result of the conflict."

"Via Brazil’s embassy in Kiev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a confirmation of its citizen’s death on the territory of Ukraine as a result of the conflict, and is staying in touch with his relatives to provide all possible assistance within the framework of international agreements and local laws," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that from the very outset of the conflict it strongly recommended citizens to avoid visiting Ukraine.

Earlier social network posts identified the man as Andre Luis Hack Bahi, a former Brazilian serviceman. Along with three other citizens of Brazil, the man was a member of the so-called International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine and fought against Russian troops. The news of Andre Hack Bahi's death came from his compatriot.

The mercenary’s sister confirmed his death, saying that, according to her information, he was killed in battle on Saturday, June 4.

The so-called International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine has been established and funded by the Kiev government. All of its members are foreigners. The Russian Investigative Committee said on April 27 that at least 16 various armed mercenary groups had been formed on the territory of Ukraine. They comprise mercenaries from about 50 countries.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said on April 19 that foreign mercenaries, who take part in hostilities on the side of Ukraine, could not be viewed as legitimate combatants and therefore do not fall under the Geneva conventions.

The Defense Ministry of Brazil told TASS in March that its servicemen, including former ones, violate the country’s military service regulations by joining the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine.