Share this @internewscast.com
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of a “courageous” Australian who died while volunteering to clear landmines in war-torn Ukraine.
SBS News revealed on Monday that Nick Parsons died in a demining incident near Izyum in eastern Ukraine last week.
The 28-year-old was volunteering with humanitarian and mine clearance charity Prevail Together, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offering his “deepest condolences and sympathies” to his family on Monday.
He also issued a warning to Australians considering travel to the war-torn country.

“I do want to remind Australians that Ukraine is a do not travel zone,” he told reporters in Canberra.

Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko (SBS).jpg

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko has praised the Australian’s “courageous” work in Ukraine. Source: SBS News

“The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine, under any circumstances,” Albanese said.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the death was “very sad and very unfortunate”.
“I would like to express my condolences to his family members to his friends and relatives here in Australia, it’s very tragic,” he told SBS News.

“He was just a volunteer, but was on a very important mission, a demining mission.”

“We are very thankful to him and for his courageous work in Ukraine,” Myroshnychenko said.
“Demining is one of those areas where your life is 50/50, you know, you can live or you can die, and it’s one of those sharp razors that you walk on, and it’s very dangerous.”
Parsons was one of three people critically injured in the incident. Prevail board member Shaun Pinner posted on X that the organisation’s co-founder, Chris Garrett, had also died as a result of his injuries.
Pinner confirmed to SBS News that an Australian citizen was killed in Ukraine.

“At the moment, we are collaborating with local authorities and the relevant consulates. Our main focus is ensuring that our colleagues return safely to their families,” he stated.

SBS News has been told colleagues referred to Parsons using his call sign ‘Desmond’.
Millions of mines have been placed in battlefields in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion by Russia began in February 2022, the UN said, adding it was “the most dangerous place for unexploded weapons today”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian killed in Ukraine.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” it said in a statement.
Do you know more about this story?  Email ewa.staszewska@sbs.com.au

For the latest from SBS News, and .
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Why Skipping Travel Insurance Could Cost Australians More Than They Think

The Australian government’s official travel advisory service says taking out travel insurance…
US military kills two people in strike on suspected drug boat in Pacific

US Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel in Pacific, Two Killed

The United States military executed its eighth operation against a suspected drug-trafficking…

Lidia Thorpe Submits NT Attorney-General to Corruption Watchdog Over Alleged Court Interference

Senator Lidia Thorpe has filed a report with the NT Independent Commission…
US sanctions Russian oil, blasts Putin over 'senseless war'

U.S. Targets Russian Oil with Sanctions, Criticizes Putin’s ‘Unnecessary Conflict

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced new sanctions against Russia’s two…
'Doom and gloom': Truth behind Australia's birth rate 'crisis'

Unveiling the Reality: Is Australia’s Birth Rate Crisis Fact or Fiction?

Australia’s declining birth rate recently captured attention when the Bureau of Statistics…
Top UN court says Israel must allow UN relief agency to supply Gaza aid

International Court of Justice Mandates Israel to Permit UN Relief Agency Access for Gaza Aid Distribution

The International Court of Justice says Israel must allow the UN aid…
Golden Bachelor contestant Nicolette (pictured) has broken her silence after her elimination - claiming the show stripped away her real story and reduced her to a 'nothing character' despite filming for nearly two weeks

Golden Bachelor Drama: Nicolette Criticizes Her ‘Minute-Long’ Edit and Calls Out ‘Robot-Like’ Bear Myrden

Nicolette, a contestant on “Golden Bachelor,” has voiced her frustrations following her…
Western Sydney University hacked emails data breach

Major University Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Bank Accounts and Legal Information

Western Sydney University has admitted large amounts of personal data, including bank…
Rebecca, from New Zealand, was unfazed as she enjoyed a frozen mango treat while her son had a tantrum because he wanted her to share

Outrage Erupts as ‘Selfish’ Mother’s Response to Crying Toddler Draws Sympathy and Criticism

A mother’s decision not to share her ice cream with her tearful…

Louvre Security Lapses Blamed for Daring Jewelry Heist, Says Museum Director

The Louvre’s cameras failed to detect burglars in time to prevent their…
Millions in the firing line of record-breaking heat

Unprecedented Heat Wave Puts Millions at Risk

Queensland is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, prompting authorities to urge residents…
North Korea's stolen crypto billions revealed

North Korea’s Crypto Heist Exposed: Billions in Stolen Digital Assets Uncovered

North Korean hackers have managed to steal billions by infiltrating cryptocurrency exchanges…