Canadian soldier killed in NATO operation near Russia

A Canadian soldier has died on deployment in Latvia, Canada’s Department of National Defence has announced.

Sebastian Halmagean, a gunner deployed to the NATO member, died near its capital city Riga on Thursday, the statement said.

Latvia hosts multinational deployment of troops to deter Russian aggression on NATO’s eastern flank.

The statement said that the circumstances of the death were being investigated by the Canadian Forces Military Police with support from Latvian State Police, “and no further information will be provided.”

Sebastian Halmagean, a gunner deployed to Latvia as part of Canada’s Operation REASSURANCE in the NATO member, died on January 31, 2026, Canada’s armed forces said. (Handout, Canada’s armed forces).

What To Know

Canada’s Armed Forces were in Latvia for Operation REASSURANCE, the country’s largest overseas mission as part of NATO deterrence in Central and Eastern Europe.

Described as the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defense in a generation, the operation involves the deployment of 3,000 Canadian troops throughout the year.

The statement by Canada’s defense forces said that Halmagean, from Hamilton, Ontario, had been posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), Royal Canadian Artillery. He was part of 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade, which is based at Oromocto, New Brunswick.

He had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years and was on his first overseas deployment as part of the Air Defence Battery within the Multinational Artillery Battalion Group at NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.

He died near the Latvian capital on Thursday, and Canadian outlet CTV reported that he had been on duty at the time.

The defense forces statement said there is no indication the incident “poses an increased threat to the safety and security of our deployed members.” General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, paid tribute to Halmagean saying his loss was “deeply felt” and that he was at the beginning of a promising career.

Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command said in a statement that he had a sense of duty to serve his country.

What People Are Saying

General Jennie Carignan, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff: “The passing of Gunner Halmagean is a loss deeply felt for the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney, on X: “Saddened to learn of the passing of Gunner Sebastian Halmagean [and] our country is stronger for his service. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and with all those served alongside him.”

Edgars Rinkēvičs, Latvia’s president: “On behalf of the Latvian people, I express my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow servicemen in the Canadian Armed Forces.”