An Australian man has died in Ukraine as the conflict from the Russian invasion continues, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed.
Consular assistance is being provided to the family of Trevor Kjeldal, a Dfat spokesperson said on Saturday.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family and request their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
“We are unable to provide further comment.”
Kjeldal’s family said in a statement: “Trevor was a very treasured and loved member of our family. Our depth of sadness at his loss is unfathomable.”
“We would like to thank Dfat for their ongoing assistance in bringing him home to us. At this incredibly sad time, we would request that media respect our privacy as we grieve.”
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, passed on his condolences to Kjeldal’s family and friends on Saturday.
“This is tragic news,” he said during a press conference in Queensland.
“I remind people that the Dfat advice is that people do not travel to Ukraine. It is a dangerous place, but my heart goes out to the family and friends of the gentleman involved.”
Consular assistance can include support and guidance to families and liaison with local and Australian authorities to assist with funeral arrangements or repatriation of remains.
Kjeldal went by the call sign “Ninja” and was injured in July and hospitalised in Ukraine but had no plans to immediately return to Australia, according to Nine.
He told Nine in October his battalion wanted to support the people of Ukraine.
“Ukraine was in trouble and they needed people to help, so we came and helped,” he said at the time. “I beat the odds once so let’s just see if I can do it again, I suppose.”
The Australian government’s advice for Ukraine remains at “do not travel”.
