“Beacon of hope in Ukraine”: Peter Fouché killed in action, says Project Konstantin

A South African-born Briton who volunteered as a medic when the war in Ukraine broke out has been killed in action, the charity Project Konstantin, which he founded, said.

The charity announced his death on social media, saying: “He died like a hero on the battlefield fighting the Russians.”

In a heartbreaking social media video from February 2024, Peter Fouché said he was “ashamed to be a Westerner” because Western governments were providing Ukraine with much-needed ammunition “in a dribs and drab manner.”

“Pete’s unwavering devotion, boundless compassion and tireless commitment to Ukraine and its people have left a lasting impression on the countless lives he has touched.

“His heroism knew no bounds. He was actively involved in rescuing over 200 wounded Ukrainian soldiers, in evacuating civilians from the most dangerous frontline cities and in providing humanitarian aid to the people of these cities and towns.”

Project Konstantin is a charity whose mission is to support the Ukrainian military. It handles the evacuation of the injured, supplies vehicles and other essential goods to the armed forces, and also provides medical training.

In a video posted on Project Konstantin’s social media platforms in February, Mr Fouché expressed his dismay at the lack of Western support for Ukraine, saying: “The front line is crumbling everywhere.”

“How dare you tell your children such a thing?” he asked. “Imagine if these were your children being slaughtered here.”

“Put yourself in the shoes of the Ukrainians – we are being destroyed, exterminated.

“I am ashamed to be a Westerner.”

Affectionately known as Peter “Hasta La Vista” Fouché, the volunteer paramedic was born in South Africa but moved to London and became a British citizen in 2006.

In London he worked as a taxi driver for the private car hire company Addison Lee, but in South Africa Mr Fouché was a sniper in the Flying Squad of the South African Police and therefore had medical experience.

The footage of parents whose children were killed in attacks by Russian forces deeply saddened Mr Fouché, a father himself. He felt encouraged to take action and co-founded the charity Project Konstantin.

However, following the death of Tetyana Millard, a co-founder of the charity, Mr Fouché volunteered and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

Before his death, Mr Fouché asked the volunteers of Project Konstantin to promise to continue whatever happened to him on the front lines, just a few meters from the Russian forces.

The charity said: “We will honour Pete’s memory by continuing the work that gave him so much joy and carrying on his legacy of courage and kindness, of fighting for what is right and of standing up for injustice.”