Former NZ soldier in Ukraine proud to see other New Zealanders on front line

A former New Zealand soldier fighting in Ukraine says he's proud to see other Kiwis on the front line - even though one of his countrymen has given his life for the cause. The Defence Force announced yesterday a soldier, who was on unpaid leave, had been killed. RNZ understands he was fighting with Ukrainian forces in the east of the country. In New Zealand the man had been based at Burnham Military Camp. The Defence force says he was not on active duty in Ukraine. Reporter Charlotte Cook spoke to a former New Zealand soldier who is fighting in the war-torn country on Wednesday. He is currently the only New Zealander in a multinational fighting unit called the Dark Angels of Ukraine, and spoke to RNZ on the condition of anonymity, about what it's like on the battlefield. Morning Report Defence Force, and Defence Minister Peeni Henare, to speak this morning but they declined. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark told said supporting the family of the man who was killed, but he wouldn't comment further on the circumstances of his death.