14-05-2025
Family of Australian man feared dead in Ukraine hopeful Caleb List is alive
The family of a Queensland man feared killed fighting in Ukraine says they are in shock and holding onto hope he is alive.
Caleb List, 25, of Gladstone, was part of the Ukrainian foreign legion, a Ukrainian ground forces military unit of international volunteers.
He joined the unit in 2022 and sources have told the ABC he is believed to have died last month during heavy fighting in the Kharkiv region.
His uncle, Michael Connolly, said he was fulfilling his dream to be a soldier.
"He'd always wanted to be a soldier."
He said so far, the family have not had any confirmation about his remains and whether they had been found.
"When they can't produce anything of that nature, then there's always hope," Mr Connolly said.
He said previously Mr List had been in regular contact with both his parents, but communication was difficult at times.
"From the communication that was received he was always happy and healthy and well."
Mr Connolly said about 16 months after he first went to Ukraine in 2022, his nephew returned to Australia to visit his family.
"We were not aware that he was going to re-enlist … so it was a bit of a surprise," he said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said consular assistance was being provided to Mr List's family.
The advice remains for people not to travel to Ukraine.
Mr Connolly described his nephew as a "gentle soul" who would help anyone in need.
He said Mr List was passionate about the army and had spent a lot of his young life involved in the army cadets.
"He would have lived there if he was possibly able to, his fascination with the armed forces was from a young age," Mr Connolly said.
Mr List had previously been rejected to serve in the Australian Army.
"It's really hard to speak on his behalf with regards to how and why he did it [fighting in Ukraine]," Mr Connolly said.
"His desire to be a soldier was very strong and he wanted to help and make a difference.
"From my observation as his uncle, I just saw a young man who lit up whenever he was doing anything with the soldiering side of life."
Mr Connolly said as a young child, Mr List was energetic, loved sports and was hands-on.
"He was always fixing things on his father's property. He was brought up in the country," he said.
Mr Connolly said Mr List spent most of his childhood and adult life in the Gladstone region.
Mr List previously worked as a trade assistant at Queensland's Yarwun refinery.
Mr Connolly urged the public not to make a value judgement about Mr List.
"We pray that he will come back home.
"It's very hard to speak about him in past tense because in my mind, he's not — he's not gone."
