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Three Argentinians Serving With Ukraine’s Forces Killed in Russian Drone Attack
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Three Argentine volunteers fighting for Ukraine’s armed forces were killed in a Russian drone strike near the northeastern city of Sumy, Infobae reported on October 30.
The victims were identified as José Adrián Gallardo, 53, from Córdoba; Mariano Franco, 47, and Ariel Achor, 25, both from Buenos Aires province. According to Ukrainian officials cited by Infobae, the men had joined Ukraine’s military two months earlier and were ambushed during an operation along the Russian border. They died when a mine exploded as their unit attempted to withdraw.
Authorities confirmed that none of the three had served in Argentina’s army. They reportedly joined as contracted fighters.
Franco, known by the alias “Sisu,” had worked as a railway employee and shared images from the front on social media, often expressing pro-Ukraine sentiments. Gallardo, nicknamed “Rogy,” had a background in agriculture and metalworking, while Achor, or “Merlo,” was employed in furniture manufacturing before traveling to Ukraine.
Regional military chief Oleg Hryhorov said Russian forces carried out “dozens of drone and guided bomb attacks” during the assault, which also struck an area holding captured Russian soldiers.
The incident follows the death of another Argentine volunteer, Emmanuel Vilte, who was killed in July in Pokrovsk by an Iranian-made Shahed drone used by Russia, according to Infobae.
Argentinian President Javier Milei has repeatedly expressed support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s invasion, maintaining what Buenos Aires describes as a firm commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Infobae wrote.
Previously, it was reported that Argentina’s National Intelligence Service (SIDE) has uncovered a group of Russian nationals who were establishing a local influence network to advance Moscow’s interests, La Derecha Diario reported.
According to the Argentine newspaper, the group spread disinformation, manipulated public opinion, and sought to interfere in Argentina’s domestic affairs.
