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New Zealand Volunteer Shan-Le Kearns Killed in Action in Ukraine

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Amira Barkhush
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New Zealand Volunteer Shan-Le Kearns Killed in Action in Ukraine
Shan-Le Kearns, a New Zealand volunteer, was killed in action in Ukraine while assisting in evacuating the wounded. (Source: Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko/X)

Shan-Le Kearns, a New Zealand volunteer who assisted in evacuating the wounded, has been killed in action in Ukraine, Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said on X on May 30.

“It was with deep sadness that I received the news that Shan Le Kearns is believed to have lost his life fighting for Ukraine’s freedom,” Myroshnychenko wrote.

Myroshnychenko extended his condolences to Shan’s family and friends, adding: “My country remains forever thankful for Shan, for other New Zealanders, for Australians, and for all nationals who come to Ukraine’s defence, even at the risk of their own lives. We will always remember Shan. We will never forget him.”

The family has confirmed Kearns’ death to New Zealand outlet 1News. According to them, the 26-year-old was not serving directly on the front lines but underwent basic training after arriving in Ukraine in order to assist wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

His mother, Elis Kearns, said that Shan “loved what he was doing,” and it’s something she will always remember.

Kearns added that it is currently impossible to repatriate his remains.

“He is in bits and pieces in enemy territory. They have tried to retrieve [Shan-Le], but were unsuccessful. They have told us at the very earliest it will be six months before anything can get done.”

On February 28, a farewell ceremony was held on Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti for Ethan Hertweck, a 21-year-old US Marine veteran who was killed in action while defending Ukraine.

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