Australian humanitarian Mick Charles O’Neill killed in Ukraine

A man has died after heading to the embattled Eastern European country to help evacuate the wounded in the battle against Vladimir Putin’s forces. Here’s what we know so far.

An Australian man who drove trucks evacuating the wounded from the front line of the war in Ukraine has been killed.

Mick Charles O’Neill, from Tasmania, has been remembered as a “larrikin” who was “always looking for a cause”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Mr O’Neill’s death as a tragedy and offered his condolences to his family.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff also extended his “deepest condolences”.

The father of three volunteered to help in Ukraine, initially driving people out of the country.

But then he risked his life to help those on the front line and was killed this week.

“Always looking for a cause he headed to Ukraine to drive trucks helping citizens flee the country,” his sister Bernadette wrote in a social media post.

“He then assisted driving the wounded and injured from the front line. Unfortunately meeting a sad end. Always a larrikin Mick had spent the last few years driving trucks in the mining industry and spending months in the Philippines with his children.”

Mick Charles O'Neill, 47, was a father of three from Tasmania. Picture: Facebook.

Mr O’Neill, 47, divided his time between the Philippines and Australia.

“He leaves behind his daughter Raynee in Melbourne and Princess Faith and Kingmick in the Philippines,” Bernadette’s post added.

The loss of the father of three, who was one of six children, has devastated his family who are based in Geeveston, Tasmania, 60km south of Hobart.

Mr Albanese offered his condolences to Mr O’Neill’s family and promised support was available to them.

“This is a tragedy and I want to give my condolences to the family of the person involved,” Mr Albanese said.

“The Australian authorities through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are providing consular support to the family.”

Mr Rockliff said: “I am deeply saddened to confirm a Tasmanian man has died in the Ukraine.

“On behalf of the Tasmanian Government I extend my deepest condolences to the family.”

The exact details of where and how Mr O’Neill was killed on Thursday have not been released.

O’Neill was a talented footballer in his younger days. Picture: Facebook.

The humanitarian has been described as a “larrikin”. Picture: Facebook.

“On the 25.5.2022 Michael passed away in Ukraine helping with Humanitarian Aid,” a death notice in the Hobart Mercury on Saturday said.

“Loved son of Elizabeth Rickards and Dennis O’Neill (dec). Loved larrikin brother of Shane, Bernadette, David, Robert, Peter and their families.

“Loved father of Raynee, Princess Faith and King Mick. We are all so proud of you, you did it your way.

“A memorial service will be held at the Kermandie Football Clubrooms on Saturday 18th June at 2pm.”

Joanne Obejas, a relative of Mr O’Neill’s partner in the Philippines who is looking after his daughter, posted a tribute to him, including photographs of him in uniform in Ukraine and with weapons.

“I don’t know what to say, I was shock and sad. Thank you for being good father to your daughter Faith,” she wrote on Facebook.

“Don’t worry I will take good care of your daughter.”

Michael Charles O'Neill , from his and his families Facebook pages Mick died this week doing humanitarian work in the Ukraine . Source: Facebook

Ms Obejas confirmed her relationship with Mr O’Neill to this newspaper.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing assistance to Mr O’Neill’s family

The Australian government’s official advice is not to travel to Ukraine despite the atrocities happening there.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged foreign fighters to join an international legion, but Australians have been warned against fighting for non-government militia on either side of the conflict.

Australian law prohibits Australian citizens and residents and holders of Australian visas from engaging in hostile activities overseas unless serving in the armed forces of a foreign country.

Mr O’Neill was an accomplished footballer, playing suburban football in Melbourne’s west as well as at Kermandie in Tasmania.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with local leaders. Picture: AFP

Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine in February, but has met fierce resistance.

Ukrainian forces have surprised the world with their belligerent, effective response.

They held back Russian forces who had attempted to take the capital, Kyiv, with fighting now concentrated in the east of the country.

Russian troops have been accused of war crimes.

There are several Australians who have volunteered to help in the conflict in Ukraine.

Andrew Strunk, a Perth firefighter and army veteran, told The Australian of his horror at witnessing the events unfold in Ukraine.

Strunk, 38, joined a group of 10 Americans and a German offering firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

They also helped with rescues in bombed out buildings.

“There are rows and rows of high rise buildings just crumbling, row upon row of houses just destroyed – it is apocalyptic, it’s another world,” Strunk told correspondent Jacquelin Magnay.

This newspaper has been in contact with other Australians in Ukraine who have asked not to be named.

Mr O’Neill’s family declined to comment.