Canadian veteran from Saskatchewan killed fighting in eastern Ukraine

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A Saskatchewan man has been killed fighting in eastern Ukraine, the second Canadian known to have died defending the country against a Russian invasion.

Joseph Hildebrand, a 33-year-old Canadian Forces veteran, was killed in the front-line city of Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region, on Monday. His unit of foreign fighters had carried out a successful assault mission in the city, though several members sustained minor injuries during the operation, according to a source in the battalion.

The unit came under Russian artillery fire while taking their wounded to a front-line medical clinic. Mr. Hildebrand and one other foreign fighter were killed. The Canadian’s body has now been brought to Kyiv.

Mr. Hildebrand, a native of Herbert, Sask., who served two tours in Afghanistan, came to Ukraine in June.

The source in the International Legion, who knew the Canadian personally, said that on Mr. Hildebrand’s application to join, he had answered the question of why he wanted to fight for Ukraine by saying he believed “the whole world needs to stand up against Putin and Russia’s aggression” and that “this is the best way I can support and uphold my morals and beliefs.”

He also wrote on his application that he had experience in close-quarters combat and had “a high pain tolerance with a calm demeanour.”

The Globe and Mail is not identifying the source because they are connected to Ukrainian military intelligence.

Mark Hildebrand, the youngest of Joseph’s three brothers, told The Globe his sibling was “the bravest man I’ve ever known but he also had a heart of gold.”

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“He’s someone we all wanted to grow old with and trade all the nonsense and stories that come with life. But we are all so proud of him and what he has done,” said Mark.

Joseph had no personal connection to Ukraine but felt his skills were useful to push back against Russian forces and fight for people who were being oppressed, said Mark. He described his brother as a natural leader and, as a soldier, “strong as an ox” and with a near-perfect shot.

Outside of serving in the military, both at home and abroad, Joseph Hildebrand was a farmer in Saskatchewan. He leaves behind a partner whose daughter he adopted as his own. His family came together on Monday at their farm to grieve his loss.

Marilyne Guèvremont, a spokesperson with the department of Global Affairs, would say only that the government is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Ukraine. “We are in contact with local authorities and with the family and are providing consular services.”

Mr. Hildebrand, who held no formal rank in the Ukrainian military, was accepted into the battalion of the legion that reports to the country’s Defence Intelligence Service, better known as the GUR. (The other two battalions of the legion are attached to Ukraine’s regular army.)

The GUR battalion is known for getting riskier assignments than those given to other foreign soldiers. Being sent to Bakhmut this week would definitely qualify as dangerous. Last week, the Ukrainian military described the city as the epicentre of the fighting in the eastern Donbas region.

A press officer for the GUR battalion of the legion said that Monday was “one of the hardest days since Day One.” She said she had known Mr. Hildebrand personally and had played a role in recruiting him to the battalion.

“He was a very, very good person and it was good being around him. He was big and soft and felt very safe. He had a great character,” the press officer said. “I know that he had a couple of friends here in Ukraine and that his comrades, soldiers, all of them are saying very good things about Joseph.”

The Globe is not identifying her because she is connected to Ukrainian military intelligence.

Sergio Aburto, who served alongside Mr. Hildebrand in Afghanistan, said “Hildy” was a true warrior and someone who could be relied on in dangerous situations. They were part of a small group who were overseas together between 2009 and 2010 as part of an Operational Mentoring and Liasion Team.

Mr. Aburto said Canadian Forces veterans who served with Mr. Hildebrand have come together in hopes of ensuring he receives a proper military funeral and that his family is supported in the aftermath of his death.

He said men like Mr. Hildebrand, who want to fight for humanity, go without supports from their home country if or when they return.

“I just hope he went out the way he wanted to go and, to me, if he was going to pass in this lifetime it would have been in combat,” he said. “But it’s sad because now, is his family going to get taken care of? God, no, because you’re going over there almost like mercenaries but with good intention.”

The Ukraine-Canadian Congress (UCC), an advocacy group for Canadians of Ukrainian origin, said Mr. Hildebrand will not be forgotten.

“The hearts of the Ukrainian Canadian community are with the family and friends of Canadian Joseph Hildebrand, who volunteered to fight in defence of Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression,” UCC CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Hildebrand’s family and friends. Mr. Hildebrand will be remembered for his sacrifice and commitment to Ukraine’s freedom. May his memory be eternal.”

A source familiar with the matter said the Ukrainian government is in touch with Mr. Hildebrand’s family.

Mr. Hildebrand is not the first Canadian to perish in Ukraine.

Émile-Antoine Roy-Sirois, a 31-year-old Quebecker, was killed in July along with three other foreign fighters when they were ambushed by a Russian tank in the Donetsk region.