2 Canadians killed amid intense fighting in Ukraine, Global Affairs Canada says – National | 24CA News
Paul Hughes says one of the tough moments of his life was inserting a Canadian flag over the physique bag of a soldier from Alberta killed throughout a bloody battle in japanese Ukraine.
Hughes rigorously drove an ambulance carrying the physique of Kyle Porter for greater than 4 hours from an space close to Bakhmut the place the Canadian and one other soldier, Cole Zelenco, have been killed throughout fierce combating final week.
“I draped the Canadian flag over him. That hit me as hard as I’ve been hit in the 14 months I’ve been in Ukraine,” Hughes stated in a cellphone interview from Kharkiv after retrieving Porter’s physique Tuesday.
“My heart goes out to (their families). The deepest condolences.”
Global Affairs stated in an emailed assertion that the division is conscious of studies that two Canadians died in Ukraine. It stated it’s following up with authorities however can’t launch extra data as a result of privateness issues.
Family and assist staff recognized the 2 Canadians.
Zelenco, 21, was from St. Catharines, Ont., and was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, his mom, Lynn Baxter, stated in a cellphone interview from her dwelling.
Baxter stated her son first went over to the war-torn nation final April and returned to Canada three months later earlier than happening his second tour in October.
“He was very passionate about protecting Ukrainians, and just trying to keep their lives as stabilized as possible.”
Cole Zelenco is seen in an undated household handout picture along with his mom, Lynn Baxter. Zelenco was recognized by household and assist staff as one among two Canadians killed in Bakhmut, Ukraine, a web site of heavy combating within the japanese Donbass area. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Lynn Baxter, *MANDATORY CREDIT*.
Baxter final spoke together with her son two days earlier than his loss of life. The dialog steered away from the assaults which have rocked the japanese Donbas area.
“He kept quite a bit hidden from me just so I wouldn’t worry,” she stated.
Baxter doesn’t know a lot in regards to the assault that killed her son however was advised he didn’t endure. “I’m very grateful for that.”
An honorary ceremony is going down in Ukraine, Baxter stated, and his physique is predicted to be again in Canada in two weeks. The household is hoping for a May 19 funeral.
Zelenco was described in a web-based fundraiser as sturdy and brave with a fierce sense of loyalty.
Hughes stated he didn’t know the 2 Canadian troopers, however troops of their unit described them as courageous heroes.
“These two men are heroes and are heroes in this country,” Hughes stated. “They are so highly respected by their comrades.”
Hughes is a farmer and group activist from Calgary who has been in Ukraine for greater than a yr. He runs HUGS Helping Ukraine, a grassroots assist company that companions with native humanitarian companies, out of Kharkiv.
He acquired a name from one other assist group that stated two Canadians had died in a devastating battle. He knew he had to assist his fellow Canadians in no matter means he may.
Hughes drove his group’s ambulance to an space not removed from the place the 2 males have been killed, which has seen the fiercest and most extended combating of the battle. It seemed like a whole lot of bombs dropped within the quick time he was retrieving the soldier’s physique, Hughes stated.
Hughes stated it has been a “barbaric and vicious war” and the place the lads have been killed is an epicentre.
“It’s hell on Earth. It’s a bad, bad, bad place,” Hughes stated.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress expressed condolences on social media to the households and associates of the 2 males.
“(They) will be remembered for their bravery and their sacrifice in defence of Ukraine’s freedom and peace in Europe,” the put up stated.
Baxter stated she is heartbroken however proud her son stood up for what he believes in.
“Cole, in his short 21 years, did more than a lot of people do in 50 to 60 years.”
© 2023 The Canadian Press
