A former Australian soldier has been killed in Ukraine alongside a British colleague while both men were working for a charity that clears landmines in the war-torn country.
The ABC has confirmed Nick Parsons, known as “Desmond” by his co-workers, died last week from injuries suffered near the eastern Ukraine city of Izyum.
A third man who was also working for the UK and US-based Prevail Together organisation was severely injured in the incident that occurred on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular support to the Australian man’s family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” a DFAT spokesperson told the ABC.
Precise details of the deadly incident remain under official investigation, but a military source in Ukraine has told the ABC it is believed to have involved an armed drone, a claim that is yet to be formally verified.
Mr Parsons is understood to have served in the Australian Army before working as a landmine clearance expert in Ukraine.
A statement posted on the Prevail Together website last week acknowledged the deadly incident which killed its founder and chai Christopher Garrett, along with his Australian colleague.
“On May 6 Prevail received the devastating news that our Founder and Chairman alongside other team members were severely injured in an incident near Izyum.
“We are still gathering information and working alongside military and police officials to uncover the details,” the statement added.
A fundraising page has been set up in memory of Mr Garrett, who was also known as “Swampy”, and is aiming to cover repatriation and funeral costs for the British national, and to support his partner and daughter.
“There is NO confirmed date for any memorials as yet. Please rest assured we are also working with the families of our other injured colleagues with repatriation, medical care and financial support too,” the online fundraiser states.
