On March 11, 2025, a farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv for the DIU International Legion warrior Dominic Abelen, who had the call sign "Tolkien."

The 28-year-old warrior was a citizen of New Zealand and a representative of the indigenous Maori people. He was originally from the city of Nelson. He grew up in a family with five brothers and sisters. He was a caring uncle to his nephews.

A professional soldier and corporal in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, he had experience in combat operations during the war in Iraq.

He loved traveling - he managed to visit more than 60 countries.

He answered Ukraine's call to defend the values of freedom in the war against the aggressor state of russia. He joined the ranks of the Legion of the GUR in 2022. At first, he was a military instructor, and in the summer, he joined a combat unit as a machine gunner.

He was awarded the DIU's "Ukraine is Above All" insignia and the "For Combat Merit" medal (posthumously).

During a combat operation in Vuhledar on August 23, 2022, he destroyed the Muscovites in close combat. He provided fire cover for his comrades-in-arms. He was wounded and killed in action.

Only now has the body of "Tolkien" been returned to Ukraine, and the warrior has been honored with proper military honors.

In honor of the fallen Dominic Abelen, his comrades-in-arms performed the traditional Maori ritual dance of the Gaka warriors.

Eternal glory to Dominic Abelen, who fell for freedom and human dignity in the battle against russian evil!

Our condolences to Dominic Abelen's family. The Ukrainian nation will never forget the deeds of a proud son of the Maori people — a true warrior, a man, and a hero of Ukraine and New Zealand.

Honor!