Add Category
“The issue is whether or not we’re even going to have that ability [to access Ukraine] ... it is a war zone,” the prime minister said.
“We do not have people on the ground. We do not have consular support on the ground.
“It’s very difficult for us to do much at this present point in time. That does not mean however that we are not seeking as much information as possible and trying to understand the circumstances.”
In radio and media appearances on Monday morning, Ardern declined to answer a string of questions around the matter, including where Abelen died, where his body was, whether they knew where the body was, and if it was in Russian hands.
Aaron Wood, co-founder of the No Duff veterans trust, told NZ outlet Stuff that the Defence Force was “really in a pickle” with this “incredibly unique situation”.
“Technically he was a serving soldier, but was on leave. If he died overseas on leave, like any other employer, there would not be any obligation to assist his return.
“It’s difficult... there is almost a societal expectation they would help. He died fighting, but not for New Zealand.”
NZ media reports suggest Abelen died while attempting to retake a series of trenches in the eastern Donbas region.
Tanks of the 2nd Army Corps of the People’s Militia of the rebel-held Luhansk on a mission at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on July 30.Credit:Russian Defence/AP
Ardern did say Abelen’s family was being briefed, saying “they have as much information as we have”.
Both the government and armed forces have urged New Zealanders not to travel to Ukraine.
It is not clear how many other New Zealanders have joined Abelen in volunteer battalions, as urged by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The NZDF reports 94 personnel currently on leave without pay, and Ardern said army chiefs were “going through an outreach process” to see whether others were in Ukraine.
She said her advice to anyone looking to travel to Ukraine – soldiers, humanitarian workers or otherwise – was to forget about it.
“There’s a reason why New Zealand has made very clear that Ukraine is one of those areas where the advice is do not travel,” she said.
Loading
“We give that advice when we know that we’re unable to provide support on the ground.
The Labour leader said consular assistance through the Russian ambassador was unlikely to prove fruitful.
“I would not have an expectation of any great degree of assistance. This is a war which is unprovoked and unjustified at the hands of Russia,” she said.
Abelen spent a decade in the army, serving with the 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment based in Burnham, outside Christchurch.
AAP, Stuff.co.nz