On 2 December 2025, during an official visit to Ireland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Order “For Bravery” (III Class) to the family of Robert Deegan, a Defence Intelligence of Ukraine soldier who gave his life fighting for freedom against russian occupiers.

Robert, known by the callsign “Irishman,” served in the Stuhna unit, part of the DIU’s Timur Special Operations Group.

Born in 1995 in Newbridge, Robert was an active, determined, and curious young man. He served in the Irish Army Ranger Wing. Military service runs in the family — both his father and brother are members of the Irish Defence Forces.

Robert’s story is one of exceptional courage, compassion, and an unwavering sense of justice. Though he had no personal ties to Ukraine, after russia launched its full-scale invasion, he volunteered to come and fight alongside us.

In 2022, he was seriously wounded after stepping on a mine, losing an eye. After receiving treatment and rehabilitation in Ireland, he returned to Ukraine once again. As part of the DIU special forces, he continued fighting on the hottest sectors of the front. He studied Ukrainian, motivated his brothers-in-arms, and was known for his remarkable sense of humor.

On 17 September 2024, 29-year-old Robert Deegan was killed in action during the assault and clearing of the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant, covering his comrades to the last moment. When Ukrainian soldiers evacuated him from the battlefield, he was still holding his cross in his hand.

Honor and eternal glory to Robert Deegan — a son of the Irish people, a ranger, and a DIU special forces operator.

Ukraine will forever remember the name and heroic deeds of the “Irishman,” as well as all foreign volunteers who stood with us in the fight for freedom and dignity against the russian aggressor.

In Dublin, the President of Ukraine also posthumously awarded the Order “For Bravery” (III Class) to two more Irish fighters who served in Ukraine’s Defence and Security Forces — Graham Dale and Oleksandr Ryzhuk.