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Ukraine has held a funeral service for former Australian Army soldier then Ukrainian volunteer Samuel Pedrazzini, killed in the Donetsk region earlier this year.
A funeral service for the 26-year-old Australian was held at the Alley of Heroes at the municipal cemetery in Chukalivka, near Ivano-Frankivsk earlier this month.
Pedrazzini, who trained soldiers in the United Kingdom, had reportedly resigned from the Australian Defence Force and travelled to eastern Ukraine in 2025.
He reportedly began volunteering for front-line stabilisation points to provide medical aid to wounded Ukrainian personnel, later joining Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Special Operations Regiment as a combat medic in May and was killed on 13 June this year while carrying out a combat mission.
“Deeply saddened by the death of Australian volunteer Samuel Pedrazzini, who gave his life defending Ukraine’s freedom,” Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko said.
“Samuel came to Ukraine not out of obligation, but out of conviction.
“Having served in the Australian Army and trained Ukrainian soldiers, he chose to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians on the battlefield as a combat medic, saving lives until he made the ultimate sacrifice.
“His courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to freedom will never be forgotten.
“My heartfelt condolences to Sam’s parents, Leonie and Timothy, his partner Emily, his family, friends, brothers in arms, and everyone in Australia and Ukraine mourning this profound loss.
“Rest in peace, Sam. Ukraine will always remember your sacrifice.”
Robert Dougherty
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