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.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
The Weatherman Foundation was able to confirm remains located in eastern Ukraine were those of Abelen.
Fifth New Zealander killed in Ukraine war, remains yet to be found
New Zealand· 2025-10-17
Dominic Abelen is one of the New Zealand soldiers known to have died in Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
‘You don’t want to go there’: Ron Mark’s message to Kiwis wanting to take up arms against Russia in UkraineNew Zealand· 2025-08-19
Dominic Abelen was killed in Ukraine on August 23, 2022.
Aid worker’s father urges NZ Government to support families in Ukraine deathsNew Zealand· 2025-05-30
Dominic Abelen was a soldier killed in the Ukraine war while on leave from the New Zealand Defence Force.
Dominic Abelen’s family farewell soldier killed in Ukraine warNew Zealand· 2025-03-21
Dominic Abelen was a New Zealand soldier who was killed in Ukraine while defending the values of freedom.
New Zealand soldier Dominic Abelen killed in Ukraine: Family speaks about heroic final deedsNew Zealand· 2025-03-20
Dominic Abelen was a New Zealand soldier who was killed in Ukraine while fighting against Russian forces.
Omagiu adus unui luptător neozeelandez căzut în Ucraina. Camarazii dansează haka în memoria lui
Romania· 2025-03-13