US Navy Seal deserter killed in Ukraine becomes 6th American to die in war

22 January 2023 , 09:50

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Rescuers stand near a high-rise building destroyed by a Russian missile (Image: Global Images Ukraine via Getty)

A former US Navy Seal, who deserted the military in 2019, has been killed during fighting in Ukraine, American officials have said.

Daniel Swift was injured and died from his wounds in Dnipro on Wednesday, according to a Navy official.

Mr Swift, who was a special warfare operator 1st class and enlisted in the Navy on June 28, 2005, had been in active deserter status since March 11, 2019, the Navy Absentee Collection and Information Centre said.

The centre said it was not clear why Mr Swift was in Ukraine, but he was not fighting in an official capacity.

The Navy said: "We cannot speculate as to why the former Sailor was in Ukraine."

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Following the Russian strike, 45 people died in Dnipro (Ximena Borrazas/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

The former SEAL received medals and awards including the Legion of Merit, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He also served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen, he wrote in his 2020 book 'The Fall of a Man.'

However, after deserting the military, Mr Swift had his Trident pin removed - a step taken after the Review Board establishes that a sailor can no longer be part of the Navy.

A State Department spokesperson said: "We are in touch with his family and providing all possible consular assistance.

"Out of respect for the privacy of the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add."

A woman mourns in front of the building destroyed by a Russian missile (Ximena Borrazas/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

Mr Swift is the sixth known American to be killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began 11 months ago, according to State Department statements and reports from families.

The US government has discouraged Americans from going to fight in Ukraine over concerns they may be captured by Russian forces and held hostage.

A Russian missile hit an apartment block in Dnipro last Saturday, killing more than 40 people.

A 19-year-old woman lost an eye and was left fighting for life after being pulled from the rubble of the building.

Anna Kotova survived but lost an eye, according to reports (social media /e2w)

Anna Kotova had to be moved to Poland for life-saving treatment, according to reports.

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Another woman, Anastasia Shvets, 23, was in the bathroom on Saturday when the building was hit by shelling and she escaped alive.

She was pictured looking shocked with her hands over her mouth amidst the rubble before emergency services were able to get her down.

Anastasia has now lost her parents after her husband was already killed fighting in the war.

Chiara Fiorillo