New York man dies while fighting in Ukraine as a volunteer soldier - bringing total number of U.S. citizens killed in combat in the country to eight

  • Timothy Griffin of New York became the latest American to die in Ukraine while fighting in the war against Russia
  • At least seven other Americans have died on the frontlines of the war since it began in February
  • U.S. officials have repeatedly instructed Americans not to travel to Ukraine to join the war
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that global leaders need to pressure Moscow to consider 'genuine peace negotiations' 
  • Reports indicate the Biden administration has told Zelensky it is time to signal an openness to negotiating the end of the war with Russia

Another American man has died fighting in Ukraine, bringing the total U.S. death toll in the war with Russia to at least eight. 

Timothy Griffin had been fighting alongside Ukrainians in the International Legion, which is comprised of foreign volunteers who are helping to defend the country against Russian forces.

According to the legion, Griffin had been taking part in Ukraine's counteroffensive effort on the eastern front when he was killed.

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A spokeswoman for the legion told NBC News that Griffin's unit came under attack and he was 'killed in action.' Griffin's age and hometown remain unknown, but an American death was confirmed by the US state Department.

Two people with knowledge of Griffin's death said he was from New York state and had fought in the Kharkiv region of the country.

'Timothy's memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine,' said the International Legion.

Fighting on Ukraine's eastern front has attracted some Americans to join the country's International Legion - despite warnings from the US government to refrain from joining up