‘We are very thankful to him’: Australian killed in Ukraine honoured after brave final act
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Volunteering abroad can be an inspiring act of courage—but in some parts of the world, it comes with immense risk.
Recent developments have drawn attention to the dangers faced by those offering aid in active conflict zones.
A tragic incident has now brought these risks into sharp focus, prompting fresh warnings from Australian authorities.
A young Australian volunteer who travelled to Ukraine to help clear landmines lost his life in a fatal demining incident near Izyum in the country’s east.
Nick Parsons, 28, had been working with the humanitarian and demining charity Prevail Together when tragedy struck last week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his sympathies on 12 May, offering his ‘deepest condolences and sympathies’ to Parsons’ loved ones.
Albanese also took the opportunity to caution Australians about travelling to the region.
‘I do want to remind Australians that Ukraine is a do not travel zone,’ he told reporters in Canberra.
‘The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine, under any circumstances,’ he said.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, described the loss as ‘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 shared.
‘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.’
‘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.’
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Parsons’ family.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,’ the department said in a statement.
Prevail Together board member Shaun Pinner confirmed that an Australian citizen had died in Ukraine and said the organisation was coordinating with authorities.
‘Currently, we are working with local authorities and respective consulates,’ Pinner said.
‘Our primary role is to get our colleagues home to their families.’
Pinner also shared on social media that Prevail’s co-founder Chris Garrett had also died from injuries sustained in the same incident.
Three people in total were critically injured in the explosion.
Parsons was reportedly known to his team by the call sign ‘Desmond’.
According to the United Nations, Ukraine has become the most dangerous place in the world for unexploded ordnance since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Watch the full report below.
Source: Youtube/7NEWS Australia
Parsons’ bravery and selflessness left a lasting impact on those who knew him and those he helped.
May he be remembered for his courage, compassion, and the noble mission he gave his life to.
Recent developments have drawn attention to the dangers faced by those offering aid in active conflict zones.
A tragic incident has now brought these risks into sharp focus, prompting fresh warnings from Australian authorities.
A young Australian volunteer who travelled to Ukraine to help clear landmines lost his life in a fatal demining incident near Izyum in the country’s east.
Nick Parsons, 28, had been working with the humanitarian and demining charity Prevail Together when tragedy struck last week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his sympathies on 12 May, offering his ‘deepest condolences and sympathies’ to Parsons’ loved ones.
Albanese also took the opportunity to caution Australians about travelling to the region.
‘I do want to remind Australians that Ukraine is a do not travel zone,’ he told reporters in Canberra.
‘The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine, under any circumstances,’ he said.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, described the loss as ‘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 shared.
‘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.’
‘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.’
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Parsons’ family.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,’ the department said in a statement.
Prevail Together board member Shaun Pinner confirmed that an Australian citizen had died in Ukraine and said the organisation was coordinating with authorities.
‘Currently, we are working with local authorities and respective consulates,’ Pinner said.
‘Our primary role is to get our colleagues home to their families.’
Pinner also shared on social media that Prevail’s co-founder Chris Garrett had also died from injuries sustained in the same incident.
Three people in total were critically injured in the explosion.
Parsons was reportedly known to his team by the call sign ‘Desmond’.
According to the United Nations, Ukraine has become the most dangerous place in the world for unexploded ordnance since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Watch the full report below.
Source: Youtube/7NEWS Australia
Parsons’ bravery and selflessness left a lasting impact on those who knew him and those he helped.
May he be remembered for his courage, compassion, and the noble mission he gave his life to.
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