Rescue workers put out a fire at a building destroyed during a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on September 22, 2025. Photo: VCG

Two Hong Kong residents have reportedly been killed in combating in Ukraine, and the Immigration Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has confirmed that it has received requests for assistance from the families and is currently learning about the incident, Hong Kong's TVB news reported on Saturday.

A report by Sing Tao Headline on Sunday said that the two Hong Kong residents, aged 23 and 30 respectively, serving with Ukrainian forces, were reportedly killed in action last Friday during a Russian attack in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region. 

They arrived in Ukraine last month, underwent short-term military training, and served as mechanized infantry, the report by Sing Tao Headline said. The attack occurred during their first mission. According to reports from various media outlets, including United Daily News, the two Hong Kong youths previously served in the 1st and 4th Regiments of the French Foreign Legion, respectively.

The Immigration Department stated that, upon receiving the families' requests for assistance, it immediately sought information through the Commissioner's Office of Chinese Foreign Ministry in HKSAR and the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine, including verification of the individuals' identities, per TVB.

It will provide appropriate advice and feasible assistance in accordance with the families' wishes, the report said. The department will continue to maintain close contact with the Commissioner's Office, the Embassy, and the families to actively follow up on the matter.

It is reported that before the two died, at least four Hong Kong residents in total had joined the Ukrainian military to participate in the conflict, per the Sing Tao Headline. 

According to information on the website of Security Bureau of HKSAR, the bureau in a notice updated in June said that since early June 2025, armed conflicts across Ukraine have intensified. The security situation in the country remains highly volatile. Residents should avoid all travel to the country. 

Global Times