The State Department has confirmed that a second American has been killed while fighting for Ukraine.
American citizens have been allowed to go volunteer to join the Ukrainian military to fight Russia, even those without any military training or background.
The 52-year-old Floridian construction worker, Stephen Zabielski, died “while fighting the war in Village of Dorozhniank, Ukraine,” according to his obituary.
“A lifelong area resident until 2018, Steve was a graduate of Amsterdam High School. Steve was employed in construction for over 30 years,” the obituary continued.
According to a report from The Hill, “State Department officials “have been in touch with the family and have provided all possible consular assistance.”
The State Department has urged Americans not to go to Ukraine.
“We once again reiterate U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict and the singling out of U.S. citizens in Ukraine by Russian government security officials,” an unnamed State Department official told the outlet. “U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options.”
Zabielski is survived by his wife, five step children, and seven siblings.
“Steve will be missed by all who knew and loved him,” the obituary reads.
Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, a former US Marine, was killed in Ukraine in April.
Other Americans have died there, but were not engaged in combat, including James Whitney Hill in March and filmmaker Brent Renaud.