First Russian soldier dies in Syria

A 19-year-old Russian soldier died in Syria on Saturday, the first confirmed casualty among the estimated 2,000 Russian military personnel who have been conducting and supporting air strikes on Syrian rebels and terrorist groups since September 30.

Vadim Kostenko was killed in service and is due to be buried in his home village of Grechanaya Balka “soon”, said Conflict Intelligence Team, a group linked to Russian blogger Ruslan Leviev who has been following Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine and Syria.

Russia’s ministry of defence said it could neither confirm nor deny Kostenko’s death. A spokesperson said it was unclear how long the ministry would need to check the information.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Russia’s warship fires at German military helicopter

A Russian warship opened fire on a German military helicopter conducting a reconnaissance mission, according to Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The incident has drawn...