Fourth Latvian volunteer soldier killed in Ukraine
Latvian volunteer soldier Vitālijs Šampiņš, known by the callsign "Vilks", has been killed on the Kharkiv front, becoming the fourth Latvian citizen to die since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A Latvian volunteer soldier, Vitālijs Šampiņš, who fought under the callsign "Vilks" (Wolf), has been killed on the Kharkiv front in Ukraine, Latvian Television reported on social media.
With his death, four Latvian volunteers have now lost their lives since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to archived records from the LETA news agency.
Defence sector offers condolences
The National Armed Forces (NAF) told LETA that the defence sector extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of the fallen soldier. According to information available to the NAF, Šampiņš had not previously served in the National Armed Forces and had not completed mandatory military service. He also had not properly notified the NAF, as required, before travelling to Ukraine to become a volunteer in the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Latvian embassy in Ukraine has not yet received official confirmation of the death. Once such information is received, the embassy will provide all necessary support to the family.
The Ministry of Defence and the NAF reiterated that before joining active combat in Ukraine, Latvian citizens should very seriously and responsibly assess their military knowledge, preparation and practical skills.
Previous losses
Šampiņš is the fourth Latvian volunteer soldier to die in the war. In 2025, Ņikita Tarenovs, who fought under the callsign "Latvietis" (The Latvian), was killed in Ukraine. The year before, in 2024, volunteer Edgars Platonovs, born in 1983, was killed. In autumn 2023, a Russian drone strike near the city of Lyman in Donetsk region killed Vitālijs Smirnovs, a former National Armed Forces soldier who had also joined Ukraine's defenders as a volunteer.
