Farewell to the warrior of the International Legion Dominique Abelen took place

A warrior of the International Legion of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Dominik Abelen, known under the call sign Tolkin, has been farewelled in Kyiv.

The 28-year-old warrior was a citizen of New Zealand and a representative of the indigenous Maori people.

Tolkin’s comrades honored him in a special way by performing a traditional Maori warrior dance called Haka.

The Main Directorate of Ukrainian Intelligence reports and publishes a video about this.

Dominic was born in the town of Nelson. He had five brothers and sisters. For his nephews he was a caring uncle, and for the Ukrainian military he became a loyal brother in arms.

Abelen had combat experience – serving as a corporal in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and taking part in combat operations in Iraq.

In 2022, after hearing Ukraine’s call to fight for freedom, he joined the GUR International Legion.

He first worked as a military instructor and then joined a combat unit as a machine gunner.

During the fighting, Dominik provided fire cover for his comrades. In close combat, he was mortally wounded.

For his service to Ukraine, Dominic Abelen was awarded the distinction ‘Ukraine – Above All’ and the medal ‘For Combat Merit’ (posthumously).