Four Brazilian volunteers from the Foreign Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine went missing in Ukraine, according to reports cited by RIA News and attributed to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The losses occurred after only a few weeks of service in the country, Brazilian outlets note. One of the missing individuals is identified as Talita do Valle, 39, who may have perished in a shelter fire. [Citation: Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
The list of missing persons also includes Antonio Asitiani, a medical student who joined Ukraine-based humanitarian aid missions. News from Brazil confirms the deaths of Andre Luis Ak Bay and Douglas Rodriguez Burigou, with Ak Bai said to have died while attempting to rescue two colleagues. [Citation: Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
When foreign nationals die abroad, their families typically arrange for the return of remains, and Brazilian diplomatic missions have stated they stand ready to provide consular assistance during such circumstances. [Citation: Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
In related diplomatic developments, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with a special Brazilian presidential representative to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. [Citation: Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
Earlier remarks from the Kremlin referred to actions described as a military operation involving mercenary elements. [Citation: Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]