Former Defence Minister Ron Mark is well aware of the risks Kiwis fighting in Ukraine – and their families back home – face from Russian supporters. Findings included the social media accounts of foreign fighters and their loved ones being “doxed” – an act that had them revealed on Russian online Telegram accounts – and then flooded with abuse. Kiwi aid worker Owen Pomana (right) has seen ghastly footage posted on Russian channels of some of his volunteers dying. The TracANaziMerc has also shared photos and details of the deaths of some of the four New Zealand soldiers killed in Ukraine. A 2025 study highlighted the nefarious ways “Russian or pro-Russian individuals” were using social media.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 11, 2026 16:27 UTC