American fighter ‘killed in action’ in Ukraine

An American has died while fighting in Ukraine as a volunteer against Putin’s Russia. Timothy Griffin, who joined Ukrainians in the International Legion, was killed while taking part in a counteroffensive effort on the eastern front.So far, eight Americans who volunteered to fight against Putin’s war in Ukraine have been killed in action.A spokeswoman for the legion told NBC News Mr Griffin’s unit came under attack and he was ‘killed in action’. An American death was confirmed by the US state Department, but Mr Griffin’s age and hometown remain unknown.However, two people with knowledge of the American’s death said he was from New York state and had fought in the Kharkiv region of the country. An American has died while fighting in Ukraine as a volunteer against Putin’s Russia (Image: GETTY)The International Legion said: ‘Timothy’s memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.’We are in contact with the family and the International Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are handling the repatriation process, in coordination with the family, following their wishes and instructions.’The US State Department also said: ‘We once again reiterate our message that US citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict. ‘US citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options.’FOLLOW THE US MIDTERMS HERE: US midterms LIVE: Voting underway as Republican red wave expected Eight Americans who volunteered to fight against Putin’s war in Ukraine have been killed (Image: GETTY)Previously, the State Department confirmed the death of American Stephen Zabielski, 52, an American from Florida, who died on May 15 while fighting in the village of Dorozhniank.In April, Willy Cancel, 22, became the first known American to die fighting in Ukraine. He was working with a private military contractor and is survived by a wife and child aged about one.In July, the US confirmed that two more Americans had died fighting. Bryan Young and Luke Lucyszyn both died fighting in the eastern region. A death was confirmed by the US State Department, but Mr Griffin’s age and hometown remain unknown (Image: EXPRESS)At the start of November, the body of another American killed in Ukraine, Joshua Jones, a 24-year-old, was returned to Ukrainian custody by the Russians.Mr Jones’ body is being held by Ukraine as part of a war crimes investigation. American Dane Partridge, 34 and a father of five, was also killed in October after Russian vehicles ambushed him and his unit in the trenches of Eastern Ukraine.Skyler James Greggs’ death was also recently confirmed, with the 23-year-old dying after fighting in the northeast of Ukraine. The Biden administration reportedly asked Ukraine to show it is willing to negotiate with Russia (Image: EXPRESS)Speaking to the MailOnline, a State Department spokeswoman said: ‘We once again reiterate our message that US citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict.’US citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options.’Meanwhile, it was reported by the Washington Post that the Biden administration asked Ukraine to show it is willing to negotiate with Russia.Kyiv has argued, and still maintains, that there’s nothing to discuss under Putin, who has refused to undertake good-faith peace talks.