Hobart’s Nathan Rompa helping out with the war in Ukraine

A selfless Hobart man is currently deep in Ukraine giving soldiers bound for the front line critical training, as well saving the lives of civilians through his expert knowledge of landmines. PHOTOS + HIS WORDS FROM A WAR-TORN NATION

A selfless Hobart man is currently deep in Ukraine giving soldiers bound for the front line critical training, as well saving the lives of civilians through his expert knowledge of landmines.

Nathan Rompa has been in Ukraine for just over one month and has wasted little time putting his skills and motivation to use.

The 29-year-old is a former member of the Australian Defence Force who specialised in explosive ordnance disposal – the safe removal of unmarked mines and booby traps.

“We are working directly with the police who have largely taken on the explosive ordinance disposal role,” Mr Rompa said from Ukraine.

“Before I entered into the country, the team had been working hard to clean up a number of affected areas, clearing tonnes of unexploded ordinance.

“The head of police asked our team to train nearly 700 soldiers, who are soon to be rotating onto the front lines.

“We are conducting mine awareness training to give these guys a fighting chance against an extremely dangerous threat.

“Once we have completed this training our team is heading straight back into field work, travelling around the country to affected areas, beginning more clearing operations.

“Civilians are tragically being injured or even killed on a regular basis as the bulk of mines, booby traps and sub munitions are left behind by Russian fighting forces.”

Mr Rompa, who works as a disability support worker, said he hoped to remain in Ukraine for at least three months.

A PayPal account has been set up to help fund Mr Rompa’s time volunteering in the war torn nation.

“I wanted to add a big thank you to everyone that has supported me and how much I appreciate everyone who has donated already and all of their kind words,” he said.

Mr Rompa and his team have made friends with local animals, having befriended a stray kitten and naming her Crystal.