An Australian man believed to be assisting in the ongoing war effort against Russian forces has been killed in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Photo: AFP
Michael O'Neill, 48, was believed to be in Ukraine helping the country with humanitarian aid when he was wounded and killed.
O'Neill leaves behind three children and a family based mostly in Tasmania.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson says the family of O'Neill has been contacted.
"DFAT is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian killed in Ukraine. For privacy reasons we are unable to provide further information," the spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on the Australian's death on Saturday.
"This is a tragedy and I want to give my condolences to the family of the person involved; the family has requested that their privacy be respected," he said.
A tribute to O'Neill posted on Facebook says he was beloved as a "larrikin" family man who spent his time between the Philippines and Australia.
"He then assisted driving the wounded and injured from the front line. Unfortunately meeting a sad end, Mick had spent the last few years driving trucks in the mining industry and [spent] months in the Philippines with his children," the tribute post read.
- ABC