Latvian Volunteer Edgar Platonov Killed in Combat in Ukraine

Latvian soldier Edgar Platonov has died while fighting in Ukraine as part of the International Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to the Latvian Armed Forces, the 41-year-old volunteer was killed on December 25, 2024, during combat near Novoyehorivka, in the Luhansk region.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense expressed condolences to Platonov’s family and comrades, highlighting his dedication to defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. “He died selflessly in the fight against the Russian occupation army,” a statement from the Latvian Armed Forces noted.

President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, also offered condolences following Platonov’s death. “Another of our volunteers has died defending the freedom and independence of Ukraine. Our deepest condolences to Edgar Platonov’s family and comrades. Eternal memory to the hero,” Rinkēvičs wrote on social media.

Platonov joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a volunteer, and prior to this, he did not serve in the Latvian military. His death serves as a reminder of the ongoing contributions of international volunteers to Ukraine’s defense.