Australian Fighting for Ukraine Killed Just Days Before His Wedding

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is seeking to confirm reports that Australian citizen Russell Allan Wilson was killed while fighting with Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine, according to a January 1 report from The Guardian.

In a statement cited by The Guardian, the department said it was “aware of reports that an Australian has died in Ukraine” and was “seeking confirmation from local authorities,” adding that Australian authorities were providing consular assistance to Wilson’s family. 

According to The Guardian, social media posts stated that Wilson was killed in the Donetsk region. A friend and fellow fighter said he died on January 1 and had been due to marry about a week later.

The Guardian also reported that at least eight Australians are believed to have died fighting in Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022. Former Melbourne teacher Oscar Jenkins is the only known Australian taken as a prisoner of war, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing his case as involving a “sham trial.” 

Earlier, it was reported that Australia made urgent inquiries after media claims that Australian volunteer Oscar Jenkins was killed in Russian captivity, while officials said the reports were unverified and raised concerns about his treatment as a prisoner of war.

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