Two former U.S. service
members are believed to have been captured by Russian forces while fighting
in Ukraine, according to reports.
Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy
Huynh, 27, were taken prisoner outside of Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine last
week while fighting as volunteers alongside a regular Ukrainian army
unit, The Telegraph reported Wednesday, according to those
recently in contact with the two men.
The State Department said it
has received unconfirmed reports of two U.S. citizens captured in Ukraine,
though officials declined to comment further, citing privacy considerations.
“We are closely monitoring the
situation and are in contact with Ukrainian authorities,” a State Department
spokesperson said in a statement.
The development is likely to
further increase tensions between the U.S. and Russia, which have declined
precipitously amid the Kremlin’s assault on Ukraine.
Messrs. Drueke and Huynh are
believed to be the first Americans captured since Russia invaded Ukraine in
February.
