Australian Army Reservist Charged for Allegedly Fighting for Ukraine’s Armed Forces

A South Australian man has been charged with working for a foreign military without authorisation and could face up to 20 years in jail if convicted.

Police tape is seen at a crime scene in Adelaide, Australia, on June 5, 2014. Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

A South Australian army reservist who allegedly travelled to Ukraine to take part in the war with Russia has appeared in court and could face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty.

This is the first time the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged someone with working for a foreign military without authorisation.

The 25-year-old from Flexistow is member of the Australian Defence Force Reserves. It is alleged he travelled to Ukraine in May 2025 to serve as a drone operator for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and later returned to Australia in January 2026.

The AFP began an investigation after receiving a referral from the Department of Defence.

Under the current laws, Australians and permanent residents, including former Defence employees, must acquire a foreign work authorisation before working for, or providing training to, a foreign military organisation, or government body of a relevant foreign country.

Investigators searched the man’s home on April 2, seizing several electronic devices, including a mobile phone and laptop. A forensic analysis allegedly uncovered images linking him to involvement in a foreign conflict.

The man has been charged with one count of being a foreign work-restricted individual who performed duties for a foreign military organisation or government body, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.

He appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on April 7, with a further hearing scheduled for May 12.

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many Australians and Ukrainian dual nationals have travelled to Europe to join the war. While the government has not disclosed exact figures, at least eight Australians are believed to have died.

In the first year of fighting, Michael O'Neill, 47, was killed in Ukraine, leaving behind three children. Family said he had been driving trucks to help civilians flee the country and to help transport the wounded.

Most recently, Russell Allan Wilson was reportedly killed in December 2025 during his final mission, a week before he was due to be married.

In another case, Melbourne teacher Oscar Jenkins was initially believed to have been killed, but was later discovered to have been captured. He was tried and convicted in Russia in May last year as a paid Ukrainian mercenary—a decision Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an “outrage.”

Jenkins was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment, which was not the worst possible outcome, as reports have emerged alleging that foreign fighters have been executed by Russia.