Dominic Abelen
Dominic Abelen was a 28-year-old New Zealand soldier who tragically lost his life in Ukraine during an attack on a Russian trench near Vuhledar in 2022. A veteran of the Iraq War, he volunteered to fight alongside Ukrainian forces while officially on leave from the New Zealand Defence Force. Abelen was honored posthumously with military awards, including the 'For Military Merit' medal and the 'Ukraine is Above All' distinction from the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. His life was celebrated in a poignant ceremony where Ukrainian soldiers performed the haka, a traditional Māori dance symbolizing strength and unity, around his coffin.
Born on Aug 23, 1994 (31 years old)
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New Zealand:
The Weatherman Foundation was able to confirm remains located in eastern Ukraine were those of Abelen.
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New Zealand:
Dominic Abelen is one of the New Zealand soldiers known to have died in Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
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New Zealand:
Dominic Abelen was killed in Ukraine on August 23, 2022.
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New Zealand:
Dominic Abelen was a soldier killed in the Ukraine war while on leave from the New Zealand Defence Force.
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New Zealand:
Dominic Abelen was a New Zealand soldier who was killed in Ukraine while defending the values of freedom.
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Romania:
Dominic Abelen was a New Zealand soldier who was killed in Ukraine while fighting against Russian forces.
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