On March 11, 2025, a farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv for Dominik Abelen, a soldier of the International Legion of the Armed Forces of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, nicknamed "Tolkien".





by GermanDronePilot

36 comments

  5. Kiwi boy? We would recognize *Ka Mate* anywhere, even on mute.

  6. It’s amazing that they respect and allow them to honor the fallen like this. I’ve seen a few videos with send offs that respect where the hero’s came from.

  8. It’s so sad that beautiful people have to die. Much respect to this fallen Hero!

    [New Zealander Dominic Abelen died near Volnovakha. “I consider it my duty to help Ukrainians,” he said.](https://expres.online/zhittevi-istorii/pid-volnovakhoyu-zaginuv-novozelandets-dominik-abelen-vvazhayu-svoim-obovyazkom-dopomogti-ukraintsyam-kazav-vin)

    During his nine years of service in the New Zealand Army, Corporal Dominic Abelen gained considerable experience and skills, which he decided to share with the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Then he joined the ranks of the Foreign Legion. He told his relatives that he was going on a journey. 

    “Dominik and I met in Kyiv in early May,” says Zhanna Tsvir. “He turned out to be a multifaceted person: he played sports, did yoga, participated in marathons, read a lot, traveled, and planned to open a hotel. He also dreamed of having many children, even thought about adoption. 

    I asked him why he decided to come to Ukraine. “I consider it my duty to help the Ukrainians, because the truth is on your side,” Dominic said. “Therefore, as a professional military man, I decided not only to share my own experience, but also to take part in the fighting.” 

    At first, Dominic (call sign — “Tolkien”) was an instructor, teaching Ukrainian fighters tactical medicine, as well as the development of modern weapons (in particular, NLAW anti-tank guided missiles). “He was amazed by the zeal of our soldiers. Because even when the instructors got tired, the fighters asked to continue, to learn more,” recalls Zhanna. 

    And in the middle of summer, Dominic went to the front. “I ask for every operation,” he wrote to Jeanne, telling about the “arrivals” of enemy artillery, the rescue of wounded soldiers, and also about fear. “Everyone is afraid. In war, fear is a necessity! If a person is not afraid, most likely he will not survive, because he will not be careful,” Dominic shared. “The main thing is not to let fear overcome you.” 

  9. Not a single man, woman, or child had to die in this entire conflict, if only the psychopath in Moscow didn’t have territorial ambitions in mind and decided to invade their neighbor’s home. Serial killers can be heads of state.

  14. RIP they really showed you love something putin wants but only Trump can show putin his love up his high knee he fists and he throws fits

  16. R.I.P. Dominik

    Heroyam Slava ! ❤️🖤

    Slava Ukraini ! 💙💛

    Glory to Ukraine

  21. Rest In Peace Warrior
    🇳🇿🇺🇦🌹🇺🇦🇳🇿

  24. You did not have to go but you did and laid down your life for people and a country you hardly knew. What better measure of a man is that? May you rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends. Much respect from Canada.

  25. Compared to terorrist nazi state, they shoot him, gut his organs for food, and let the animals eat the rest.

  27. What an incredible man. May his name never be forgotten.

  32. Man even with a handful of people this has the same emotional load

  34. Keep the pies warm and the beers cold for the rest of us bro! RIP.

  36. Dominik Abelen brother, may you rest in piece, you’re a true hero!!!
    Thank you for your sacrifice 🙏

    God please take care of Dominik and guide him to you gate,

    Amen

    🇺🇦 🇳🇿

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