The New Zealand Defence Force says it has received reports that a soldier who was on leave has been killed in Ukraine.
"The soldier was on a period of leave without pay at the time and was not on active duty with the NZDF," a statement said.
"At this early stage, there is still more information to be gathered in order to understand the circumstances fully."
The New Zealand Army will work closely with the family to offer support, it said.
"The NZDF is currently consolidating information and will look to release further information when possible."
On Wednesday evening, Defence Minister Peeni Henare expressed his condolences.
"I express my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the New Zealand soldier who is reported to have died in Ukraine while on leave from the army," he said.
"I have been advised the New Zealand Army are supporting the soldier's family through this difficult time."
The New Zealand Government has deployed Defence Force personnel to Europe to support Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia in Feburary. However, no personnel have been sent into Ukrainian territory.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister announced it was sending 120 Defence Force personnel to the United Kingdom to train Ukrainian soldiers, including in weapon handling and combat first aid. Defence Minister Peeni Henare said training would be conducted in the UK and "our NZDF personnel will not enter Ukraine".
A team of 30 personnel were sent to the UK in May to help Ukrainian military personnel learn to operate light field guns. That deployment is now completed.
Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, New Zealand has contributed more than $40 million in financial support to various international organisations to help with aid and provide equipment to soldiers. Aotearoa is also supporting an International Criminal Court investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
Intelligence and logistics experts have been deployed to Europe over the past six months to support efforts, while New Zealand has sanctioned 840 individuals and entities linked to Russia's war.
