A New Zealand soldier fighting in Ukraine suffered horrific injuries – including losing a leg – but remained at the frontline with his colleagues for five days before being evacuated from the battlefield.

And while the soldier – who has since received a medal for valour by Ukrainian officials - prepares for a lengthy rehab period, the Herald can reveal that the death toll of Kiwis killed in Ukraine is nearing double figures.

Khol Gillies – who hails from Hawke’s Bay - volunteered for the Ukraine International Legion; in the process joining dozens of other Kiwis who have taken up arms in war-torn Ukraine against invading Russian forces.

But late last year the man – who is married - was severely injured while defending his unit’s position on the frontline.

The extent of Gillies’ injuries included the loss of his left leg.

New Zealander Khol Gillies – who hails from Hawke’s Bay - lost his left leg while fighting for the Ukraine International Legion, and has since been awarded a medal for valour after his battlefield heroics. Photo / Supplied

An online fundraising page seeking funds to contribute to his recovery, reveals his bravery saw him stay with his under-fire unit for almost a week before he was evacuated to hospital for critical care.

The Givealittle page – set up by his wife – describes Gillies as a “Kiwi warrior” and talks of his “heroic sacrifice” in battle with Russian troops.

“During a fierce attack in Ukraine, Khol lost his left leg while holding his position and protecting his team,” the page said.

“Despite his devastating injury and due to the intensity of the fighting, Khol was unable to be evacuated immediately. He remained at his post for five days until evacuation was possible.”

An online fundraiser has been created to provide further support to Khol Gillies. Photo / Supplied

The page’s blurb says that Gillies’ “courage and selflessness saved lives”.

He has since been awarded a Ukrainian military medal of valour “for his heroism”.

He has also been the recipient of support from the R T Weatherman Foundation; an American non-profit that offers support to soldiers in Ukraine and their families.

That includes a fully funded medical evacuation and “access to world-class treatment”.

The R T Weatherman Foundation previously identified and repatriated the remains of Kiwi soldier Dominic Abelen almost three years after he died in combat in the Donetsk Oblast region.

It is also fronting a legal challenge in Ukraine to have fellow young Kiwi Shan-Le Kearns - who died in a drone strike on the frontline – formally relisted from missing, to killed in action.

‘His resilience is deeply inspiring, but his journey is far from over’

Gillies is currently in another European country – where his wife has joined him - where he has been receiving “world-class treatment”.

“True to his spirit, Khol faces his injury with humour, often saying, ‘I guess I’m all right now’, referring to losing his left leg,” the Givealittle page states.

“His resilience is deeply inspiring, but his journey is far from over.

The fundraiser for Khol Gillies talks of his courage on the battlefield, even after being seriously injured. Photo / Supplied

“This campaign aims to support Khol through recovery, rehabilitation, and rebuilding his life. Your contribution will directly help a young man who gave everything to protect others and now needs our collective support to move forward.”

The badly wounded soldier will eventually return to Ukraine where he will receive further care at one of two rehabilitation centres run by Superhumans.

That will include specialist care and be fitted with a prosthetic leg.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War in early 2022, Superhumans has provided life-changing treatment for thousands of adults and children.

That includes providing prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, rehab and psychological support.

Buildings in the city of Irpin show some of the devastation caused by Russian attackers. Photo / Olena Kalashnikova

Donations from the online fundraiser will contribute to extra costs of “rebuilding his life”, including specialist equipment, travel, ongoing physiotherapy and therapy, and work on his family home including potential ramps, widening of doorways and toilet and bathroom support handles.

In July, a picture he uploaded on social media showed him and two Ukraine International League colleagues with the caption: “Slava Ukraini, Heroyam Slava” (Glory to Ukraine, Heroes Glory).

Southwest of Irpin, a highway is now lined with the burnt husks of Russian armoured vehicles. Photo / Olena Kalashnikova

Death toll rises: More Kiwis killed fighting Russian forces

The Herald can also reveal that the number of New Zealanders who have died in action has grown.

At least two more Kiwis have died, bringing the number who have been killed to at least seven.

Those deaths occurred in late 2025. One of the dead soldiers is understood to hail from Wellington and had spent time living in Australia before volunteering in Ukraine.

It is understood several other New Zealanders have not been heard of for some time since being dispatched to various frontline positions.

More Kiwis have died in Ukraine, joining earlier losses (left to right) Dominic Abelen, Kane Te Tai, Andrew Bagshaw and Shan-Le Kearns in the death toll. New Zealand Herald composite photo

Kiwis who have died there include Ukraine International Legion members: Dominic Abelen, Kane Te Tai , Shan-Le Kearns and Jeremy Braggins.

Abelen volunteered to fight in Ukraine after taking leave from the NZDF.

Te Tai is another former NZDF soldier, who previously served in Afghanistan.

Kearns did not have a military background but trained in Ukraine. He died while trying to rescue injured comrades.

Braggins – who was a soldier and a medic aged in his early 50s - died in May.

Jeremy Braggins was listed as missing in action since May 2025, then Russian online sites said he was dead, and tributes have been made on Ukrainian sites. Photo / Supplied

But, just like Kearns, his body has yet to be recovered and is formally listed by Ukrainian officials as missing in action.

The confirmed Kiwi death toll also includes aid worker Andrew Bagshaw who lost his life while carrying out humanitarian work.

Numerous other New Zealanders have been injured on the frontline, including a Kiwi combat medic who suffered severe injuries after standing on an anti-personnel mine.

Extensive hand and foot injuries have meant she can no longer operate in combat zones. Instead, she has continued to work in Ukraine supporting medics with PTSD.

Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news, features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014 and has 34 years of newsroom experience.