Hobart explosives expert drawn to help clear mines in Ukraine

Sitting on the other side of the world watching devastation unfold before his eyes, a Hobart man couldn’t standby and watch the suffering in Ukraine any longer. He had to act>>>

Sitting on the other side of the world watching devastation unfold before his eyes, a Hobart man has decided to sacrifice months of his life to help assist during a “crime against humanity”.

Nathan Rompa said the news of Russia invading Ukraine had struck a chord with him and it was his calling to help with humanitarian efforts.

“I’ve been following it for a little while now, I was keeping an eye on it before February 24 when it kicked off,” Mr Rompa said.

“Since that happened I’ve wanted to help in some way but I was busy with work and becoming a pilot.

“Things have slowed up through winter, so I thought it was a great time to get over there and do something.”

Nathan Rompa is heading out to Ukraine next week. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mr Rompa was previously in the Australian Defence Force Army for four years and has been deployed to Afghanistan.

The 29-year-old specialised in explosive ordnance disposal, the safe removal of unmarked mines and booby traps, during his time at war and will be filling the same role in Ukraine.

He is funding his trip, gear and accommodation and will be volunteering with a not for profit group of ex-military engineers in the same field.

“To me it doesn’t matter what people this is affecting, it’s a crime against humanity,” he said.

“I’ve got the experience in the military and the skills to do this, so I want to help.”

The disability support worker said he was going to be in Ukraine for a minimum of three months.

Rescuers dismantle the ruins of a residential building partially destroyed by shelling on the northern outskirts of second largest Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on June 4. Picture: AFP

He said his family were “nervous and apprehensive” when he first broke the news to them, but they’d come around since.

“They’ve been really supportive and helped me out quite a bit which is nice.”

Mr Rompa’s sister Kate has begun a GoFundMe page to help raise money for his mission.

“All donations go directly to helping this group with buying vital equipment, fuel and accommodation to keep these guys in Ukraine for as long as possible,” Miss Rompa said.

“It is heart breaking watching Nathan go off and sacrifice his own life and time away from his family and friends to help keep the people of Ukraine safe, but we want to be able to support him just the same.”