Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms Australian father Michael O’Neill killed fighting in Ukraine

A selfless Aussie dad who was awarded for his bravery and humanitarian aid in Ukraine has died while fighting Russian forces.

Michael Charles O'Neill , from his and his families Facebook pages. Source: Facebook

An Australian father who travelled to Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid and was awarded a commendation for bravery has died while fighting Russian forces.

Mick Charles O’Neill, 47, was killed this week after he selflessly travelled Ukraine to assist in the ongoing war effort.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the loss on Saturday, describing it as a “tragedy”.

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

Mick Charles O’Neill, 47, was killed this week after he selflessly travelled Ukraine to assist in the ongoing war effort. Picture: Facebook

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

Mr O‘Neill lived in Hobart and leaves behind three devastated children.

Tributes are flowing for Mr O’Neill online, where he is being remembered as a “larrikin” and family man, who often spent his time between the Philippines and Australia.

“Always looking for a cause, he headed to Ukraine to drive trucks helping citizens flee the country,” his sister wrote online.

“He then assisted driving the wounded and injured from the front line, unfortunately meeting a sad end.”

Mr O’Neill’s heartbroken mother also left a tribute for her son, saying he was killed when the Ukrainian army came under “heavy fire”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the loss on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

While he was in Ukraine, Mr O’Neill was awarded a commendation for bravery from the Commander of the Ukraine Army.

“Our family is grieving, and he has left a huge hole in our lives,” his mother wrote.

“He left two daughters and a son so part of him is still with us.”

A memorial service will be held at a local Tasmanian football club in June.

Russia first invaded Ukraine in February and has since attacked and bombed multiple cities, with the fighting ongoing.