Members of the Ukrainian Army perform a haka to farewell New Zealand soldier Dominic Abelen (inset) who died in combat in Ukraine in August 2022. He is finally coming back to New Zealand to be laid to rest. Photos / Supplied
Members of the Ukrainian Army perform a haka to farewell New Zealand soldier Dominic Abelen (inset) who died in combat in Ukraine in August 2022. He is finally coming back to New Zealand to be laid to rest. Photos / Supplied
Ukrainian Armed Forces have finally farewelled the body of Dominic Bryce Abelen, who was killed in July 2022.
The 30-year-old was on leave from the NZDF when he was killed in action during a firefight.
Four soldiers in Abelen’s unit performed a haka in front of the former soldier’s coffin during the ceremony.
In an Instagram post, members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces farewelled Abelen in an emotional ceremony during which four soldiers performed a haka in front of his coffin.
“The 28-year-old soldier was a citizen of New Zealand, a representative of the indigenous Māori people. Originally from the city of Nelson. He grew up in a family with five brothers and sisters. He was a caring uncle to his nephews,” the post said.
“He arrived at the call of Ukraine to defend the values of freedom in the war with the aggressor state Russia.
“During a combat operation in the Vugledar area on August 23, 2022, he destroyed Muscovites in close combat. He provided fire cover for his comrades. He was wounded and died in battle.”
The post said it’s only now his body has been returned to Ukraine, where it could be given the proper military honours.
Video showed his comrades performing a haka - a traditional Māori war dance.
“Eternal glory to Dominic Abelen, who fell for freedom and human dignity in the battle against Russian evil!” the post read.
“Our condolences to the relatives of Dominic Abelen. The Ukrainian nation will always remember the feat of the proud son of the Māori people - a true warrior, man, and hero of Ukraine and New Zealand.”
Slain Kiwi soldier Dominic Abelen was farewelled by members of the Ukrainian Armed forces during an emotional ceremony.
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they were aware Abelen will soon be returned to his family in New Zealand.
“We know that the repatriation of his remains is of utmost importance to his family, and this has been a long time coming,” they said.
“New Zealand consular officials have assisted at various points in the process. For privacy reasons we will not provide any further information.”
A former member of Abelen’s unit said he was very pleased for his family.
“After going through what we did with Kane and not being able to give the Abelens the same closure, this has been the best news I’ve heard out of Ukraine for a long time,” he said.
New Zealand aid volunteer Dr Andrew Bagshaw, 47, was also killed alongside British volunteer Christopher Parry, 28, while trying to rescue an elderly woman in an area of intense military action in Soledar, when their car was hit by an artillery shell in January 2023.
