New Zealand soldier who died in Ukraine may never be repatriated, Jacinda Ardern says – ABC News

Posted: August 30, 2022 at 11:02 pm

It might not be possible to bring homethe body of a New Zealand soldierwho was killed fighting in Ukraine,Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) last week confirmed Corporal Dominic Abelen, 28, was killed in Ukraine while on leave from the force without pay.

The NZDF said it was supporting consular officials around possible options for formal identification and repatriation, butnoted "the very difficult circumstances of doing so in a conflict zone".

In a press conference on Monday afternoon, Ms Ardern saidit was still difficult to know with certainty the information around Corporal Abelen's location and circumstances.

She could not provide a time frame for bringing his body home.

"That is not something that we are able to establish, nor can we be certain that will be possible," Ms Ardern said.

His leaverequest did not include plans to travel to Ukraine.

No soldiers had been approved by the NZDF to enter Ukraineand it was unaware how many soldiers may have travelled there on leave without pay.

Ms Ardern said there would be an intervention for anyNew Zealanders including soldiers who flagged intentions to travel to Ukraine.

Corporal Abelen's father Bryce Abelen said his son had not told the family of his plans to travel to the war-torn country.

"He also knew the risks of going there but still went to fight for them," he said in a statement.

"That is Dominic, always thinking of helping others."

Corporal Abelen's family said they understood his decision and fully supported it.

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New Zealand soldier who died in Ukraine may never be repatriated, Jacinda Ardern says - ABC News

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