(MENAFN) A South Korean volunteer fighter has been killed in action against Russian forces in Ukraine, marking the first officially confirmed death of a South Korean national in the ongoing conflict, a Foreign Ministry official told South Korean media Thursday.

The fallen volunteer, identified only by the surname Kim and described as a man in his fifties, was laid to rest during funeral services held Tuesday in Kyiv. A consular representative from South Korea's diplomatic mission attended the ceremony, ministry sources confirmed.

Media reports this represents Seoul's initial acknowledgment of a South Korean fatality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Intelligence suggests Kim died during active combat operations in Donetsk Oblast this past May.

Ukrainian authorities formally notified South Korean officials about the volunteer soldier's death and provided funeral arrangement details to the ministry.

Seoul's Foreign Ministry stated it is delivering essential consular support to Kim's bereaved relatives.

While multiple reports had previously indicated South Korean citizens enlisted as volunteer combatants in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Seoul consistently declined confirmation, maintaining it was still authenticating the claims.

The brutal war between Russia and Ukraine has now stretched beyond three years, resulting in millions killed, wounded, or forced from their homes across the region.

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