A former Australian soldier has died in Ukraine, ABC reported. The man worked for a charity engaged in clearing anti-personnel mines, News.bg reports.
The news was confirmed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The deceased - Nick Parsons - lost his life on May 6 near the Ukrainian town of Izyum, along with his British colleague.
According to a Ukrainian military source, the men died when a device exploded in a building. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with no official information yet released, the ABC emphasizes.
A spokesperson for the Australian Foreign Ministry expressed "deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time" and added that due to confidentiality commitments, further details could not be provided.
Prime Minister Albanese also expressed condolences to Parsons' relatives, emphasizing that he was not a participant in the fighting, but a volunteer on a humanitarian mission. Albanese reminded Australians that Ukraine remains a no-travel zone.
The charity the two men worked for also released a statement identifying the deceased Briton as Christopher Garrett, the organisation's founder and chairman.
“We are still gathering information and working with military and police officials to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy,“ the statement said.