Authorities Investigate Reports Former Australian Soldier Was Killed in Ukraine

Australian authorities are investigating reports that a former Australian Defence Force soldier known as “Mozzie the Aussie” has been killed in Ukraine, where he was serving as a volunteer combat medic.

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who earned the respect of all who served alongside him

The soldier worked with Med Team Alpha in the Ukrainian International Legion. The ABC has withheld his full name because of privacy concerns for his family, while Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade makes inquiries with Ukrainian authorities. Neither Australian nor Ukrainian officials has confirmed his death.

Phil Thompson, a veteran and opposition spokesman for defence personnel, described the former soldier as someone who earned the respect of those who served alongside him. Thompson said he had served in the Australian Army with Townsville-based 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and had completed deployments to Papua New Guinea before travelling to Ukraine.

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He was the kind of bloke who never hesitated to put others before himself. He was a good man, a great soldier, and someone his mates could always rely on when it mattered most.

In a video posted by Med Team Alpha, a masked soldier identifying himself as “Mozzie from Australia” said his military skills could be put to use in Ukraine. He said he viewed the country as an opportunity to help using skills that might not transfer to other jobs.

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Through his courage, skill and selfless commitment to others, Mozzie saved countless lives on the battlefield.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces has been contacted for comment. Ukraine’s military ombudsman says about 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are serving alongside Ukrainian forces. The case follows the June death of former ADF soldier Samuel Pedrazzini while fighting in Donetsk.

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I have a military background in Australia so a lot of the skills that I had wouldn't transfer over to other jobs. So I thought Ukraine would be the perfect opportunity to help out the country as a whole and use my skills to a good use.