Irishman ‘killed in action’ fighting in Ukraine

Rory Mason died while in fighting in the Kharkiv counteroffensive

(Family handout/PA)

An Irishman has been killed while for Ukrainian forces near the Russian border.

The man was named as Rory Mason, from Dunboyne, County Meath. He died while fighting in Kharkiv for Ukraine’s International Legion. That region is the scene of intense fighting as Ukraine tries to build on recent military successes in pushing back Russian forces.

The 23-year-old enlisted to fight in the war last March, not long after Russia’s invasion.

Mr Mason’s family said they learnt of his death from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, which is providing consular assistance.

The family also said they are in contact with representatives of the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine.

His father Rob paid tribute, calling him a “young man of drive, purpose and conviction”.

“Though we are deeply saddened at his death, we are enormously proud of his courage and determination and his selflessness in immediately enlisting to support Ukraine,” he said.

“Rory was never political but he had a deep sense of right and wrong and an inability to turn the other way in the face of injustice.

“He had a long-standing interest in eastern Europe, in travel, and in learning new languages, including Russian. Those who fought alongside Rory speak of ‘a truly brave and courageous man who could have left at any time but chose not to’.”

He added: “Rory was our son and we will miss him enormously.”

Mr Mason said that information on his death was limited and their priority at this point is to repatriate his remains.

Before joining the International Legion, his family said he had been working in Germany to help fund his travel ambitions.

A priest walks past a damaged church in Ruska Lozova village in Kharkiv (EPA)

In a statement, the International Legion said: “Our brother in arms, Rory Mason, has taken part in the Kharkiv counter-offensive with his unit and was killed in action. While conducting operations, the unit came under attack.

“We are in contact with the family and in co-ordination with them, following their wishes and instructions, the International Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are handling the repatriation process.

“At this time, to protect operational security and the family’s privacy we cannot release more information.

“Rory’s memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Irish government issued a statement saying: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of a case and is providing consular assistance.”

Mr Mason is survived by parents Rob and Elizabeth and a 22-year-old brother and 21-year-old sister.