A former Australian soldier working for a humanitarian organization has been killed in Ukraine, local media reported on Monday.
Nick Parsons, 28, died after after an improved explosive device went off in a building last week, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said Monday while confirming the Australian man’s death.
"I can confirm he wasn't a participant in the conflict, he was volunteering with a humanitarian organisation,” Albanese said, adding the government was providing support for the man's family.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister urged Australians not to travel to Ukraine. "The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine, under any circumstances,” he stressed.
According to media reports, the man died last week from injuries suffered near the eastern Ukraine city of Izyum while working for a landmine clearing charity. A British colleague was also killed alongside him while working the UK and US-based Prevail Together organization. A third man who was also working for the organization, was severely injured in the incident that occurred on 6 May.
It should be noted that the charity supports Ukrainian government agencies with landmine clearance, trauma medical care and humanitarian assistance.
