An Australian soldier known as "Mozzie the Aussie", a former Townsville-based combat medic, has been killed while fighting for Ukraine's International Legion. He died on Friday while serving with the unit's Med Team Alpha, in an incident verified by fellow soldiers who were present at the time. His death has drawn tributes from comrades and Australian political figures, highlighting the continuing toll on the small number of Australians who have volunteered to fight in the war.

Mozzie previously served with the Townsville-based 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, before travelling to Ukraine, where he worked as a combat medic and support specialist and built a large Instagram following documenting frontline life. A fellow soldier said he killed six enemy troops after they shot dead his team leader, whom he had tried desperately to save. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has yet to officially confirm his death and is making inquiries with Ukrainian authorities. He is among as many as 15 Australians killed fighting in Ukraine, part of roughly 16,000 foreign volunteers from over 70 countries supporting Ukrainian forces, while another Australian, Oscar Jenkins, remains imprisoned in Russia after capture.