Soldier did not disclose his Ukraine plans
CHRISTCHURCH: A New Zealand soldier killed in Ukraine did not tell his New Zealand commanders or his family that he was going off to fight alongside international volunteers.
Corporal Dominic Bryce Abelen (30) was on leave without pay from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) when he was reportedly killed in a firefight with Russian forces during a dawn assault to retake a trench network.
The corporal, with 10 years’ army service, was based at Burnham Military Camp south of Christchurch with the 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Regiment.
He had been attached to
Ukraine’s International Legion at the wartorn country’s eastern front.
The NZDF said yesterday uniformed members taking leave without pay were normally considered to be serving and were subject to various Defence Force orders but able to pursue other employment opportunities and travel, with approval required to enter some countries, including Ukraine.
Cpl Abelen’s leave request had not included plans to travel to Ukraine, the statement said, and the NZDF was still inquiring into the circumstances of the particular case.
‘‘It is not known how many NZDF personnel on leave without pay may be in Ukraine.
‘‘No personnel have been approved by NZDF to enter the country,’’ the statement said.
The NZDF did know how many exserving personnel
might have
Ukraine.
‘‘When a person leaves the Defence Force, the NZDF does not track their movements.’’
Former soldier and No Duff Charitable Trust cofounder Aaron Wood put the number about 100.
travelled
to