Seoul: A South Korean national who volunteered to fight in Ukraine against Russia has been confirmed killed by a Foreign Ministry official, Yonhap News Agency reported Thursday. The man, identified only as Kim and in his 50s, was laid to rest in Kyiv on Tuesday. A consular official from the South Korean mission attended the funeral, as per the ministry's statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, this marks the first confirmation by Seoul of a South Korean national's death in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Kim is believed to have lost his life during combat in Donetsk Oblast in May. Ukraine reportedly informed South Korea about the volunteer soldier's death and the arrangements for his funeral.

Seoul's ministry stated that it is extending necessary consular assistance to Kim's family. Although there have been claims of South Korean citizens joining the conflict as volunteer soldiers, Seoul has yet to confirm these reports, stating that it is still in the process of verification.

The Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in millions being killed, wounded, or displaced over the course of more than three years.