Australian man reportedly killed preventing alongside Ukrainian forces in opposition to Russia | EUROtoday

Australian authorities are attempting to verify stories {that a} nationwide was reportedly killed whereas preventing alongside Ukrainian forces in opposition to Russia.

The man, recognized in social media posts as Russell Allan Wilson, was killed on 12 December in Ukraine’s jap Donetsk area, based on native media stories.

In an Instagram publish on 19 December, a person figuring out himself as a US military veteran stated Wilson had been killed throughout fight and had chosen to stay in Ukraine regardless of the dangers.

“He chose to stay when it would have been easier to leave,” the publish stated. “He stood his ground in a place where freedom is paid for in blood.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is aware of reports that an Australian has died in Ukraine and is seeking confirmation from local authorities,” a division spokesperson stated on Thursday. The division is accountable for Australia’s international coverage and worldwide relations, growth support, consular providers, abroad commerce, and funding.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) quoted a buddy of Wilson as saying he was killed throughout his remaining mission.

Other posts stated Wilson was initially from Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast and had additionally lived in Brisbane earlier than travelling to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion. These particulars haven’t been independently confirmed.

“The Australian government’s travel advice is do not travel to Ukraine,” a DFAT spokesperson stated, including that officers had been offering consular help to the person’s household.

At least eight Australians are believed to have died whereas preventing in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Another Australian, former Melbourne instructor Oscar Jenkins, is believed to be the one Australian captured as a prisoner of conflict by Russian forces. Jenkins was initially reported killed, however Australia’s international minister, Penny Wong, later stated Russia had confirmed he was alive.

Ms Wong stated Jenkins had been subjected to what she described as a “sham trial” and was now imprisoned. Australian Ukrainian teams have urged the federal authorities to push for his inclusion in any future prisoner exchanges, warning he dangers being forgotten because the conflict continues.