Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is attempting to verify reports that an Australian man was killed while fighting with Ukrainian forces against Russia. Russell Allan Wilson is reported to have died on 12 December in the Donetsk region, according to multiple social media posts.
A friend of Wilson told the ABC that he was killed during his final mission and had been due to be married the week after his death. In an Instagram post on 19 December, a US army veteran described Wilson as a man who “chose to stay when it would have been easier to leave” and gave his life so others could keep theirs.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is aware of reports and is seeking confirmation from local authorities. It reiterated the government’s travel advice: “Do not travel to Ukraine.”
Social media posts indicate Wilson had served in the Australian military and had been in Ukraine since 2023. He is believed to have been from Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast but also lived in Brisbane.
At least eight Australians are believed to have died fighting in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Separately, former Melbourne teacher Oscar Jenkins, initially reported killed, was confirmed alive by Russia after intervention from the foreign affairs minister, and an Australian Ukrainian group has urged the government to secure his inclusion in prisoner swaps.
