Body of New Zealand soldier killed in Ukraine returns home

Wednesday 12 March 2025 · 6 outlets · 5 reports · updated Wed 12 Mar 2025, 5:52pm

In this story New Zealand Defence Force

Dominic Abelen, the first New Zealander killed in the Ukraine war, is being returned home. He died in August 2022 while fighting in the eastern Vuhledar region while on unpaid leave from the New Zealand Defence Force. A farewell ceremony involving a haka was held for him in Kyiv.

How they headlined it

3:07pm5:31pm

1. StuffWed 12 Mar 2025, 3:07pm

   Haka performed in Kyiv for NZ soldier killed in Ukraine war (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 12 Mar 2025, 3:44pm

   Body of NZ soldier Dominic Abelen killed in Ukraine finally returns home (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesWed 12 Mar 2025, 3:52pm

   Body of Kiwi killed in Ukraine returns home (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldWed 12 Mar 2025, 5:31pm

   Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian forces farewell slain Kiwi soldier Dominic Abelen with haka before his return to NZ (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZWed 12 Mar 2025, 5:52pm

   Body of NZ soldier killed in Ukraine finally returns home (opens in new tab)