Breaking News: Ukrainian Forces Retrieve Body of Lithuanian Volunteer Tomas Valentelis
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have successfully completed a high-risk mission to recover the body of 20-year-old Tomas Valentelis, who died during combat operations in eastern Ukraine. This strategic operation was conducted amid ongoing Russian attacks in the region.
Mission Details and Background
According to a statement issued by the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF), Tomislav Valentelis served in the International Legion and died near Kupiansk after being struck by a Russian attack involving FPV drones and artillery. His body remained in disputed territory for several weeks as Russian forces advanced and established three strategic positions nearby.
The closest Russian position was just tens of meters away from where Valentelis’s body lay, making the retrieval operation extremely hazardous. Ukrainian forces delayed immediate recovery efforts due to the high risk associated with the task.
The “Messenger” Operation
The SOF planned a specialized operation codenamed “Messenger.” The unit trained in a similar field to the operation zone and organized personnel for logistics, observation, planning, medical evacuation, and recovery. During the mission, special forces operators approached the hidden area, established a defensive perimeter, and prepared the body for extraction under heavy fire.
The operation lasted only a few minutes, and the body was successfully transferred to medical staff without any Ukrainian personnel sustaining injuries.
Valentelis’s Legacy
Tomas Valentelis, originally from Lithuania, traveled from London to enlist in the International Legion. He had been searching for purpose and meaning in his life and expressed a willingness to undertake dangerous missions, stating that “he had nothing to lose.” His father, Dainius, expressed frustration over the treatment Valentelis received in Ukraine.
On April 14, a farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv, followed by the repatriation of his body to Lithuania. Previously, the Czech volunteer Karol Kucera was posthumously decorated with the Order of Heroism by Czech President Petr Pavel for his role in defending Ukraine. Kucera was also honored with the Order of Ukraine (III grade), symbolizing European solidarity.
Support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Donations are being accepted for military equipment and supplies to aid the Ukrainian defenders. Efforts are ongoing to equip the Ukrainian military with essential tools to combat the Russian forces.
Understanding the International Legion
The International Legion is a unit within the Ukrainian military composed of foreign volunteers fighting alongside Ukrainians. This legion has seen volunteers from various countries joining to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
Role of Special Operations Forces
Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a crucial role in high-risk, specialized missions. Their skills and training make them indispensable in rescue operations, intelligence gathering, and tactical planning during conflicts.
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