**Hungarian Citizen Killed Fighting for Ukraine Against Russia**
A 21-year-old Hungarian citizen, Benjamin Aser, was killed in Ukraine on May 24 while fighting as a volunteer against Russia. According to Telex, a Hungarian news outlet, Aser’s death is a tragic reminder of the human cost of war.
Benjamin Aser was from Hungary but had previously lived in Canada for two years before returning home. His father, Natan Aser, revealed that Benjamin had autism and should not have been accepted into the Hungarian army. Despite this, Benjamin had always dreamed of becoming a soldier and had a deep love for military technology and strategy.
**A Life Cut Short**
Benjamin’s journey to Ukraine was well-documented. He went missing from his post in March 2023, prompting criminal proceedings. An undisclosed Ukrainian source told Telex that Aser served in the elite 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, where he was reportedly killed shortly after his 21st birthday.
The Kyiv Independent has reached out to the 3rd Assault Brigade for comment, but as of now, there has been no response.
**A Father’s Plea**
Benjamin’s father, Natan Aser, is still reeling from the loss of his son. He expressed a desire to have Benjamin buried in either Kyiv or Toronto, as he cannot return to Hungary and wishes to be able to visit the grave. In an emotional interview with Telex, Natan revealed that Benjamin’s commitment to Ukraine was deep and personal: “Benjamin’s heart and soul belonged to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” he said.
**Thousands of Foreign Nationals Fighting for Ukraine**
Benjamin Aser is not alone in his sacrifice. Thousands of foreign nationals have joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces as volunteers since the beginning of the Russian invasion, with many killed in combat over the past three and a half years. Hungary’s government has been criticized for its perceived pro-Russian stance, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban repeatedly blocking military support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
The death of Benjamin Aser serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the bravery of those who choose to fight for what they believe in.
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