Caught by Russians? – American volunteer fighters missing in Ukraine

Alexander Drueke and Andy Huynh, both US military veterans living in Alabama, lost contact with their families during the fighting in Ukraine. Drueke’s mother came forward earlier this week, said local congressman Terri Sewell. “According to his family, they haven’t heard from Drueke in a few days,” Sewell said.

“Coming Home Safely”
White House spokesman John Kirby said he could not confirm the disappearance of the two Americans, but: “If true, we will do everything we can to get them home safely.” He said the United States suspected it would discourage Americans from traveling to Ukraine. “It’s a combat zone. And if you want to support Ukraine, there are many other ways that are safer and just as effective,” Kirby told reporters.

The Telegraph quoted an unnamed combatant as saying the two men were captured after meeting a larger Russian force northeast of Kharkov during a skirmish on June 9. Drueke’s mother said her son had told his family that he wanted to teach Ukrainian troops how to use American weapons.

Wanted to learn how to handle American weapons
Drueke’s mother, Lois Drueke, said her son told his family he wanted to teach Ukrainian troops how to use American weapons. “Alex firmly believed that he was trained to help Ukrainians be strong and push Putin back,” she told the Washington Post, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two are the first Americans to be captured or injured in Ukraine, which Putin invaded in February.