Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence says the body of the latest New Zealander killed in its war remains missing.
As 1News reported exclusively on Thursday, Shan-Le Kearns was recently killed in Ukraine. However, it remained unclear whether his family will be able to say a proper goodbye.
Today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Kearns’ death as an “absolute tragedy”, but couldn’t say what, if anything, could be done to bring him home.
“We haven’t had official confirmation from the Ukranian authorities so it’s not appropriate for me to comment too much further,” said Luxon.
While his remains were still believed to be on Russian-occupied land, the Russian embassy told 1News that, since he was supporting Ukraine, Kyiv was responsible for his fate, along with answering any queries about bringing him home.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said in a text that Kearns was officially listed as missing, which meant his body had not been located.
Shan-le Kearns was the fourth New Zealander known to be killed in Ukraine — after Dominic Abelen, Andrew Bagshaw and Kane Te Tai.
Shan-Le Kearns is the fourth New Zealander to be killed. Lisa Davies spoke with his mother. (Source: 1News)
Efforts to repatriate their bodies home have taken as little as a few months, and as long as a few years.
Former Defence Minister and soldier Ron Mark said: “They all perform with distinction, and they paid the ultimate price knowing that might well be the case.”
Those who went to Ukraine did so without our Government’s backing, he said.
“I think that’s sad, personally, but you know that’s only a personal view, it’s only my view and the government has other things to consider. I know that,” said Mark.
New Zealand has supported the war-torn nation off the battlefield instead, helping train its soldiers before deployment.
“I feel for the family. I feel for his mum, I feel for his dad, but I take some consolation they’re very proud of their son.”
