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Defence Minister Peeni Henare says the Defence Force was not aware Corporal Dominic Abelen was fighting in Ukraine.
Download AudioDefence Minister Peeni Henare says the Defence Force was not aware Corporal Dominic Abelen was fighting in Ukraine.
Corporal Abelen, who was based at Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch with the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment’s 2/1 Battalion, was killed this week in an attack on a Russian trench.
Minister Henare says he had taken leave without pay,
As they take leave without pay they are asked to instruct on where they are going internationally. Unfortunately in this case I understand it wasn’t advised they would be going to Ukraine,” he says.
Minister Henare says no NZDF personnel have been authorised to enter Ukraine, whether on leave or in service.
NZDF is working with Foreign Affairs to assist the whanau.
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