‘Extremely Dangerous’: Australians Warned Not to Travel to Ukraine

An Australian volunteer has died in Ukraine.

A man stands as a Ukrainian fireman finishes to put out a fire at the "Barabashovo" market following a drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on May 6, 2025. Sergey Bobok/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned Australians against travelling to Ukraine amid the death of a young Australian.

This comes after a 28-year-old former member of the Australian Defence Force tragically died while volunteering for a humanitarian organisation.

Albanese reminded Australians that Ukraine is a do-not-travel zone.

“The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine under any circumstances,” he said.

Nick Parsons, who was volunteering with charity Prevail Together, died near Izyum in Ukraine.

The prime minister extended his warm regards to the family but was reluctant to elaborate on too many details due to family privacy.

“It’s important to express the deepest condolences and sympathies with his family and his loved ones at this very difficult time,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are providing support to the man’s family.

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy and consistent with our obligations, there’s a limit to what we can say publicly at this time,” Albanese said.

“I can confirm, though, he wasn’t a participant in the conflict; he was volunteering with a humanitarian organisation.”

Since Feb. 22, at least eight Australians have died in Ukraine. This includes those dying while fighting with Ukrainian forces, a combat medic, humanitarian workers, and volunteers.

Trump Optimistic on Peace Talks

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering flying to Turkey to take part in potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are both expected to attend these talks.

Trump said he wants to see peace

“I think you may have a good result out of the Thursday meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.

“I was thinking about flying over. I don’t know where I’m going to be on Thursday.”

This comes after Putin called on the Ukrainian government in Kyiv to take up its offer on direct negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine War.

“It was not Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv. Nevertheless, we are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said.

Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy said in a post to X, “We await a ceasefire—this proposal is on the table.”

“A full and unconditional ceasefire, one that lasts long enough to provide a necessary foundation for diplomacy, could significantly bring peace closer,” he added.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has long proposed this, while its partners and the whole world are calling for it.

“We await a clear response from Russia. Russia will have to end this war anyway. The killings must stop. Ukrainian forces will be ready to respond symmetrically—to ensure fairness,” he said.

Travel Advice for Ukraine

The Australian government’s smart traveller website puts Ukraine in a very strong red, “do not travel” category.

The travel advisory notes that the Russian and Ukraine conflict is ongoing and the security situation “continues to be volatile.”

“There is a serious risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and monitor media for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. We urge you to depart if it’s safe to do so,” the website states.

“Carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Follow the advice of local authorities.”

Heavy fighting is taking place in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, and missile strikes and attacks continue in some locations.

“Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Large amounts of unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in conflict and post-conflict areas,” the advisory states.

“Our ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is severely limited. The Australian Embassy is not able to provide in-person consular or passport services at the moment.”