For the first time, the Russian military invading Ukraine at Putin’s orders has captured American volunteers fighting for the freedom of the Ukrainians.
They are likely to get death sentences by firing squads in sham trials, just as two British volunteers already have.
An unspecified, fair number of American citizens, mostly ex-military, are known to be among some 20,000 international volunteers fighting on Ukraine’s side.
Sudden Ambush By Overwhelming Russian Force
The two captured Americans are 39-year-old Robert Drueke and 27-year-old Andy Huynh. Both of them are ex-servicemen in the US military; both are from the state of Alabama, The Daily Mail reported.
Drueke was in the US Army and served time in Iraq. Huynh is a former US Marine who hadn’t seen combat, prior to deciding to fight for the freedom of Ukraine.
It remains unknown whether the two Alabama natives snatched by Putin’s brutes had known each before going to face the Russian aggressors.
According to reports, Drueke and Huynh were captured on the outskirts of the city of Kharkiv.
After Ukrainians beat back the initial offensive of the Russians, they have more or less been able to secure the city and liberate some of its regions where harrowing Russian war crimes were committed.
Since last week, however, Russians have been staging counter-attacks to the Ukrainian counter-attacks; that was probably when they caught the two American fighters.
The US State Department confirmed it is “aware” of the reports about the capturing of the two brave men, but hasn’t offered any comments; neither has Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin nor Mark Milley, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman.
A spokesperson for the White House also confirmed its awareness of the capture of the two Americans.
Two Americans fighting alongside Ukrainian forces north of Kharkiv have been missing for nearly a week and there are fears that they may have been captured by Russian forces, according to their families and a fellow fighter https://t.co/eLbuXUr9pF
— CNN (@CNN) June 15, 2022
Breaking: Two Americans reported captured in Ukraine, US urges citizens not to travel. #US | #Ukraine https://t.co/cO6X6CHabj
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) June 15, 2022
Two Americans fighting alongside Ukrainian forces have been missing for nearly a week amid fears they've been captured by Russian forces. The men are Alexander John-Robert Drueke, 39 and Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27. Both hail from Alabama.https://t.co/opU6D1w5l4
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 15, 2022
They Might Be Executed By Firing Squad
Drueke’s mother back home in Alabama confirmed she is in touch with the US government. The US Embassy in Ukraine told her that her son is still being sought alive. She said she hopes he can be exchanged for Russian POWs.
The fate of the two Americans remains a huge question mark, though. It would be no surprise if Russians actually go through with death sentences for the newly captured American heroes.
The capture of the two American soldiers in Ukraine comes just as President Joe Biden announced a new package of military aid to the Ukrainians worth $1 billion.
This, while significant, is still vastly insufficient, as the Russians keep outgunning the defenders of the free world.
The general understanding is given the efficiency and military competence of Ukrainians, along with their high spirits and morale, they would crush flawed Russian troops on the battlefield in a matter of weeks, if provided with sufficient western heavy weaponry.
#Ukraine is defended by citizens of 55 countries. This is about 20,000 foreign soldiers. Among them the most defenders are from the #USA and #UK. Together to Victory! pic.twitter.com/3ZVWG5EKXd
— Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress) June 14, 2022
Russia invaded Ukraine
Turkey is eyeing up Northern Syria
China plans to take Taiwan
America arguing over what a woman is— Jack Posobiec XLV (@JackPosobiec) June 15, 2022
⚡️These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of June 16, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/iTA6oLV0IZ
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 16, 2022
