Deadly Sniper 'Wali' Says He Went On Dark-Mode In Russia, Debunks Death Rumors

One of the deadliest snipers in the world, Wali, was rumored to have been killed by Russian troops. However, the Canadian sniper has debunked the rumors of his death in an interview, saying he was alive and well.

The former member of the elite Royal 22e Regiment of Canada spoke to a Global News journalist, and said he didn't perish, but just went on a dark-mode for security reasons.

Wali, while speaking to journalist Ashleigh Stewart from Canada, not only proved he was doing just fine, but also described everything he has experienced since he arrived in the country to fight Russians.

"I was the last person to learn the news that I was dead. I think it's just trolling. But I think it's strange because after a while the enemy will lose credibility with this propaganda," he said, according to Marca. "I don't understand why they push such lies. It's pretty obvious because after a few days I'm popping out and telling everyone I'm alive."

"This war is like playing chess without knowing what the other pawns are. You know a bit but not enough. We got engaged with the Russians in very close distance, like 50 meters, and at that point they knew we were there. I was in a house where they shot the room right beside me with shells from a tank, I was about three meters away. We were lucky. Now I know how it feels to be engaged by a tank. I'm just a normal soldier. I'm a good soldier, no doubt about it. But I'm a good soldier among other good soldiers. Maybe the next time [the Russians] say that I'm dead it might be true but no one will believe them."

The sniper, whose real name was unknown, had previously traveled to Iraq on his own to fight against ISIS in 2015. Earlier this month, he arrived in Ukraine after President Volodymir Zelensky called on foreign soldiers to join the fight against Russia.

Wali, who arrived in the country as part of the Canadian contingent, said at the time, leaving his wife and baby boy was the hardest thing he had done.

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered its fifth week, with thousands dead and several others displaced. General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, a former Nato deputy supreme allied commander, told BBC Radio 4 Today's program that the Ukrainians are "continuing to display incredible courage and are holding the Russians in many places."

Russian forces have made significant gains in the south and continue to shell several parts of Ukraine.