Former Irish Army ranger Robert Deegan, who was enlisted with Ukraine’s “Stugna” special forces, has been hailed a proficient combatant by his Ukrainian comrades. Deegan lost his life in a contentious battle against Russian military at an industrial plant in eastern Ukraine. The 29-year-old from Newbridge, Co Kildare, was honourably acknowledged by his unit, who regard him highly for his military contribution to the country.
Deegan is the most recent Irish national to be lost to the conflict in Ukraine, adding to the list of Irish casualties: Rory Mason, 23, of Dunboyne, Co Meath who died in 2022; 46-year-old Finbar Cafferkey from Achill, Co Mayo; 45-year-old Graham Dale, originally hailing from Raheny, Dublin who died in 2023; and 20-year-old Alex Ryzhuk from Rathmines, Dublin, who lost his life in August 2024.
Deegan was previously recognised with a medal for his contribution to the liberation of sections of the eastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine in September 2022, when he fought as part of Ukraine’s international legion. This was just seven months after the outbreak of war following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Following a destructive incident which cost him an eye, Deegan recovered in Ireland and then returned to Ukraine this year to join Stugna – a special forces team operative in perilous missions.
“Linux”, the commander of Stugna, identified Deegan’s deftness in combat, especially in urban warfare. Another group leader, “Karatist”, praised Deegan’s impressive physical condition and endurance in urban battles. Describing Deegan’s ability to navigate stressful conflicts, “Karatist” narrated an incident where Deegan deftly managed a face-off against a tank. Deegan was also adept at utilising Nato-standard weaponry. His comrades still remember him hoping to make Ukraine his home after the conflict, expressing his strong discontentment towards the “vile” and “unjust” Russian invasion.
The tragic loss of Deegan occurred in the battle for a vast factory in Vovchansk, a frontier town in the eastern Kharkiv area, on the 17th of September, a date that was previously misreported as the 19th. This is the place where the Russians strived for domination, the same spot Deegan had faced off with a tank in a combat.
Throughout the summer, Deegan contributed to a convoluted and high-risk naval assault against Russian troops stationing at the Kinburn Spit, situated within the Black Sea region. The GUR, Ukraine’s military intelligence service, was supervising these operations which included Stugna and other special forces units. Deegan took up the responsibility of preparing our soldiers for this mission, providing guidance on operating boats that were contributions from our western allies.
In the course of the actual operation, he was part of a support group intended to assist those directly heading to the Kinburn Spit. As commented by Linux, the commander, being a part of Stugna is quite unique as it is non-typical military troop. They are assigned distinctive missions and objectives, which are constantly changing and require distinct preparation, making it intriguing.
He further added that Robert continuously remained with them, which suggests he enjoyed his tenure there and found a community of people of a similar mindset whom he was at ease with.
While discussing this, Karatist received a call from Alex, who was most likely Deegan’s closest confidant in the unit and speaks English fluently. He desired to reminisce about his memories with Deegan. Alex conversed from Vovchansk, which continues to experience severe warfare and Russian bombardment.
Alex remembered him as an extremely radiant and unadulterated soul. He said it’s still challenging for him to speak of him in the past tense given their close bond. He regarded Deegan as a real friend, almost like a brother he never had. Alex was grateful for the knowledge he gained from Deegan, a military specialist from the Irish special forces. Alex wants the Irish nation to take pride in Deegan, someone he believes rare in today’s world.
Alex portrays the individual as a Christian, a warrior, and a man who felt strongly about the abhorrent Russian invasion, and it was this conviction that guided him to decisively join the resistance. The man in question, Deegan, originated from a distinguished military clan and had the honour of being the youngest individual to qualify for the Army Ranger Wing. His joy knew no bounds while residing in Ukraine and he planned on making it his permanent residence, informs his companion, Alex.
“We’d often have lengthy discussions about global affairs and he always expressed his affection for Ukraine – its people, traditions, and values,” Alex mentioned. Ukraine was colloquially referred to as ‘home’ by Deegan. Alex even guided him in his search for an apartment in Kyiv.
Alex last interacted with Deegan just prior to his ultimate mission a month ago. Back in May, the Russian forces had stealthily infiltrated a portion of Vovchansk, accompanying a renewed attack on the Kharkiv region. They dominated a major aggregate plant, which housed an assortment of almost 30 buildings, potentially serving as a stronghold for their local operation.
A series of brutal combat ensued, ravaging the town over the following months, when Ukrainian troops laid siege to the plant, tightening their control over the Russians accommodated therein. The disregarding attacks of dominant Russian artillery and air strikes left the area perilously damaging for Ukrainian soldiers.
Drone services were employed by both parties to deliver supplies to their respective soldiers by air. However, ammunition and weapons still had to be manually dispatched by running through a battlefield gumned by gunfire and shelling.
As per Linux, Deegan was a vital member of a team of four from Stugna. Their mission involved carrying such provisions to a strategic position in Vovchansk while also safeguarding the exiting group’s withdrawal.
On the date of September 17th, while transitioning to the assigned spot on foot, Deegan met his untimely demise due to a Russian artillery shell. A subsequent soldier passed away following the attack, while two remained unscathed.
A week post the incident, Ukrainian intelligence revealed that Stugna along with other special units regained command over the Vovchansk aggregate plant, resulting in either capturing or annihilating multiple enemy personnel.
The extreme Russian attacks prevent the retrieval of Deegan’s body in the vicinity. British military intelligence described the plant’s role as a pivotal point for Russia, facilitating its strategic operations along the Vovcha river, detailed in a battlefield development report. The facility’s capture may restrict Russian land forces’ progression in the Kharkiv district. Simultaneously, Ukrainian command of the plant will likely boost further counter strikes northwards, pressuring Russian forces towards their home border.
In Kyiv, Linux reveals Deegan’s phone messages with frequently used Ukrainian phrases like “Yak spravy?” or “how are you?”. Linux described Deegan’s dedication to fight for common liberties and values between Ukraine and Ireland. His resilience shown through disregard for past injuries that didn’t deter him from his mission.
Linux shared that Deegan was resolute about his commitment to defending Ukraine despite suggesting he may have given enough. However, Deegan expressed his determination to continue.
Deegan’s sacrifice for Ukraine will always resonate with the Ukrainians, as expressed by his comrade, Alex, speaking from Vovchansk area. He expressed gratitude towards the Irish nation, especially Deegan’s parents for raising a warrior and requested Ireland to take pride in Rob. Alex described his friend as a rare personality who committed his life to a foreign nation’s cause without hesitation.
Upcoming on Monday: A conversation with an Irish-based Ukrainian soldier leading a special operations unit on the Russia frontline by Harry McGee.