Estonian Defense Forces announced on 28 August the death of Estonian volunteer Olev Roost, who was killed while fighting in Ukraine’s war against Russia.

“With deep sadness, we announce that Estonian volunteer Olev Roost has died fighting for Ukraine’s freedom,” Estonia’s Special Operations Forces said in a statement.

Roost joined Estonia’s Special Operations Forces in 2017 after passing selection and participated in an overseas operation in Mali in 2020. He remained with the unit until 2023, when he voluntarily left service and traveled to Ukraine as a volunteer fighter.

According to the Estonian forces, Roost served with Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Special Purpose Regiment. “He went abroad to protect peace in his homeland, risking his life and giving everything so that war would not reach us. We highly honor his memory and will never forget his contribution,” the statement said.

ERR reports that at least six Estonian volunteers have been killed fighting for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The announcement follows recent reports of other foreign volunteer casualties. Italian volunteer Luca Ciecca, who fought alongside Ukrainian Defense Forces against Russia, was killed in recent fighting. In July, reports emerged of a Hungarian volunteer’s death and the wounding of two Romanian volunteers.

Estonia has been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, providing military aid and hosting Ukrainian refugees since the war began.