Overview
- Multiple outlets and social media posts report that Australian national Russell Allan Wilson was killed around 12 December in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, with some accounts placing the incident near Pokrovsk.
- A DFAT spokesperson said the department is aware of the reports and is seeking formal confirmation from local authorities.
- Australian officials are providing consular assistance to the family, though DFAT has not publicly confirmed the man’s identity due to privacy obligations.
- A friend who fought with him told the ABC that Wilson died during his final mission and had been due to marry about a week later.
- Reports indicate Wilson had served in Ukraine since 2023, as DFAT cautions that confirmations can take time and reiterates the advice not to travel to Ukraine; at least eight Australians are believed to have died fighting there since 2022.