An Irishman who is missing in action in Ukraine and presumed dead has been remembered as an "all-rounder" who always had a smile on his face.
Alex Ryzhuk, 20, had been serving as a volunteer with the Ukrainian military, but it is understood he was reported missing in recent weeks having been fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Mr Ryzhuk was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents and lived in the Rathmines area.
The former student at Synge Street CBS in Portobello, south Dublin travelled to Ukraine last year to join the military.
The headteacher at the school, Clare Catterson, said when the news broke, teachers reached out to her in shock.
She told RTÉ's Morning Ireland: "There was great shock and sadness because they remember the young man who was just three short years ago walking these corridors in his school uniform with a smile on his face and wanting to help in any way he could.
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"He got himself involved in all aspects of school life. He was on the judo team, the basketball team. He loved volleyball. He particularly loved Halloween.
"He was just one of those all-rounders, a very dedicated student as well."
She said he had often spoken about studying law during his time at the school.
She said he was well-known throughout the school and a "good role model" for younger students.
She added: "He was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage. He was bilingual.
"You would have heard him on the corridors speaking to other Ukrainian students in his own language ... definitely he would often speak about having been home during the summers to visit relatives."
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
The Irish Times first reported that he was missing and presumed dead.
