The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) 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.

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 of the soldier to offer support at this deeply sad time.

The NZDF is currently consolidating information and will look to release further information when possible, and as such will not be able to provide someone for interviews at this time.