“We will miss you brother”: Kiwi soldier killed in Ukraine identified
A New Zealand soldier who died in Ukraine fighting alongside other foreign troops in the International Legion has been remembered by fellow soldiers as “strong, hardcore and handsome”.
Corporal Dominic Abelen was fighting on the frontline in the east of Ukraine while on leave away from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and not on active duty, as reported by the NZ Herald.
The 30-year-old soldier was based at Burnham Military Camp, outside Christchurch, with the Royal New Zealand Regiment’s 2nd/1st Battalion.
“At this early stage, there is still more information to be gathered in order to understand the circumstances fully,” the NZDF said in a statement.
Brigadier Rose King, the Acting Chief of Army, said in a statement that their efforts would be concentrated on supporting Abelen’s family and NZDF personnel.
“Any loss of one of our whānau (‘family’) is deeply felt across the New Zealand Defence Force. We are concentrating our efforts on supporting Corporal Abelen’s loved ones and our personnel as they grieve,” she said.
His family have requested not to be approached by the media, with his father, Bryce, sharing a statement with the NZDF.
“Dominic was in the New Zealand Army for 10 years but never got to fight for his country,” Bryce said.
“He didn't tell us he was going to Ukraine until he was there. He knew we would talk him out of it. He also knew the risks of going there but still went to fight for them.
“That is Dominic, always thinking of helping others.
“We understand why he went and hold no grudge against the NZ or Ukraine Army and fully support what he did.
“Dominic loved being in the army, the life-long friends he made there.
“There has been relentless support from half the Burnham Military Camp that knew him, as well as personnel from overseas.
“A kind, gentle man with the most infectious smile that you couldn't help but smile back.
“He had a love of the outdoors and did a lot of tramping. He spent his holidays travelling around New Zealand and the world.
“I'm extremely proud of my children and especially Dominic for standing up and doing what he thought was right. He leaves a massive hole in all our hearts.”
Abelen’s siblings describing him as “the most amazing human being”, the “buffest” member of their family, and that he had “the biggest heart to match”.
A former NZDF soldier who is also fighting with Ukraine’s International Legion paid tribute to his fallen comrade, describing him as “a warrior until the end”.
“The bro was anything but scenery. Strong, hardcore, handsome but extremely humble,” he wrote online.
“Best believe he died doing what he loved and was extremely good at.
“We will miss you brother. So much. You have left a hole that we are feeling and we could never hope to fill.”
Sources have since told the Herald that Abelen was involved in a joint operation to retake the frontline of a trench network and was instantly killed in a firefight during a dawn assault.
Another American fighter is also said to have died.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare expressed his condolences to Abelen’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“I have been advised the New Zealand Army are supporting the soldier’s family through this difficult time,” he said.
Tenby Powell, the former commanding officer of the NZDF who is currently in Ukraine undertaking humanitarian work, said he was asked by Abelen’s family to bring him home.
Though he didn’t go into the details surrounding the soldier’s death, he told Today FM that the family were distraught.
“It’s a very sad day here in Ukraine, not just for New Zealanders but for everyone,” Powell said.
“I’ve talked to a family member they have asked me and I have agreed to go and get him. We need to do this in a very respectful and expedient manner. I have given the family my assurances that he will be well looked after all the way back.
“The critically-important thing is to ensure that he is recovered and brought back in a way where he is looked after for the entire trip back to New Zealand.”
Powell intended to drape the New Zealand flag over the coffin for the trip home and ensure that Abelen had all the care a person serving in the defence force warranted.
Abelen would be taken first through Warsaw, then Ukraine and on to New Zealand.
“We are determined to bring him out. He will come out and he will be looked after all the way,” Powell said.
The soldier’s passing comes after the New Zealand government announced that a further 120 NZDF personnel would be sent to Britain to help train Ukrainian soldiers, on top of the 30 personnel deployed in May.
"New Zealand has been clear that we will continue to answer the call of Ukraine for practical support as they defend their homeland and people against Russia's unjustified invasion," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on August 15.
"We know that one of the highest priorities for Ukraine right now, is to train its soldiers, and New Zealand is proud to stand in solidarity alongside a number of other countries to answer that call."
Image: NZDF