The US is monitoring media reports that have claimed that two American nationals have been captured in Ukraine while fighting for the Kiev side. US State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Wednesday that Washington will do everything possible to secure their release, if the reports are found to be true.
The two Americans, identified as military veterans Alexander Drueke and Andy Huynh by the Daily Telegraph on Thursday, had reportedly been taken prisoner near the city of Kharkov last week. The British newspaper described them as apparently being the first American citizens captured while fighting for Ukraine, and the whole issue as diplomatically sensitive.
Washington has neither confirmed nor denied the capture. John Kirby, the former Pentagon spokesman who now serves as US National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications, pledged to use Washington’s leverage to secure their release, if the reported capture is confirmed.
“If it’s true, we’ll do everything we can to get them safely back home,” he said, during a press conference in the White House.
The official added that the Biden administration discouraged Americans from going to Ukraine and joining Kiev’s troops.
“It is a war zone,” he said. “And if you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine, there’s any number of other ways to do that that are safer and just as effective.”
The Telegraph said the two men had gone missing during combat last Thursday in the village of Izbitskoe and were apparently captured by Spetznas. The community is located less than ten kilometers from the border with Russia.
The duo will either get executed or traded for Russian citizens jailed in the U.S.
This is how American mercenaries get to Ukraine (the promise is $1-$2k / day)
Job Title
Extraction / Protective Agents – Ukraine
- Position: Contract (F/T)
- Salary: $1000 – $2000 /day + bonus
- Location: Ukraine
- Job ID: 67032
Employer is a US-based corporation seeking multiple Extraction / Protective Agents and teams to conduct part-time, covert, extraction / evacuation operations of individuals and families throughout the countryside and major cities of Ukraine. Both male and female agents are welcome to apply. Only highly experienced candidates who possess at least 5+ years of military experience in this region of Europe will be considered for this role – no exceptions.
https://silentprofessionals.org/jobs/extraction-protective-agents-ukraine/