"He stood his ground in a place where freedom is paid for in blood, and he gave his life so others could keep theirs, said the man, who has been contacted for comment. Ukraine is freer today because of him but the world is quieter without his laugh, his stubborn courage, his presence beside us. We shared cold nights, exhaustion, fear we never spoke out loud, and a bond forged where words stop working."
"In a statement, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of reports that an Australian has died in Ukraine and was seeking confirmation from local authorities. The Australian government's travel advice is do not travel to Ukraine. Australian authorities are assisting Wilson's family. Other social media posts referred to Wilson having served in the Australian military, and having been in Ukraine since 2023."
Russell Allan Wilson is reported to have been killed on 12 December in the Donetsk region while fighting with Ukrainian forces against Russia. Multiple social media posts claim his death and a friend said he died during his final mission and had been due to be married the week after his death. A US army veteran's Instagram post praised Wilson for staying and giving his life so others could keep theirs. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is seeking confirmation from local authorities and is assisting Wilson's family. Other posts say he served in the Australian military and had been in Ukraine since 2023. He was reportedly from Gosford and had also lived in Brisbane. At least eight Australians are believed to have died fighting in Ukraine since 2022.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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