‘Unfathomable loss’: Aussie man believed to be fighting in Ukraine killed

A Brisbane man killed while fighting on the front lines in Ukraine has been remembered as “treasured and loved” by his family.

A Brisbane man – dubbed “the Ninja” – who was believed to have been fighting on the front lines in Ukraine has died.

Trevor Kjeldal’s family described him as “treasured and loved in a statement confirming his death on Saturday.

“Trevor was a very treasured and loved member of our family. Our depth of sadness at his loss is unfathomable,” a family spokesman said.

“We would like to thank DFAT for their ongoing assistance in bringing him home to us.

“At this incredibly sad time, we would request that the media respect our privacy as we grieve.”

Queensland man Trevor Kjeldal has been killed while fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.

‘Trevor was a very treasured and loved member of our family. Our depth of sadness at his loss is unfathomable.’ Picture: 9 News

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast that the 40-year-old’s death was “tragic”, but warned against others travelling to the war-torn nation.

“My condolences go to this gentleman’s family and his friends,” Mr Albanese told reporters.

“I remind people that the DFAT advice is that people do not travel to Ukraine. It is a dangerous place.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the gentleman involved.”

Mr Kjedal was referred to as “the Ninja” in social media posts. Picture 7 News

The Australian government’s travel advice for Ukraine remains at “do not travel” and its ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is extremely limited due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said it was providing “consular assistance” to the man’s family.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and request their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” they said.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The Australian government’s travel advice for Ukraine remains at ‘do not travel’. Picture: Yevhen Titov/AFP

In posts on social media, Mr Kjeldal was called “the Ninja”, sharing in September that he’d returned to the front lines after suffering shrapnel wounds to the head.

“I’ve beat the odds once, so let’s just see if I can do it again,” he wrote at the time.

Last month, he told 9 News he felt compelled to help in the war.

“Ukraine, Ukrainian was in trouble, they needed people to come and help, so we came and helped,” Mr Kjedal told the network.