'I think he's an idiot' — Australian man who joined Russian army missing, feared dead in Ukraine

Daryl Fladung, an Australian man who joined the Russian military, has been missing for nearly five months and is feared dead. His mother has not heard from him since late June, shortly after he was deployed to the front lines in Ukraine. Reports suggest he may have died in a drone strike, but this remains unverified. Fladung, who had no military background, traveled to Russia in April and signed a contract with the army. He faced injuries and was reportedly ordered to participate in combat despite not being fully recovered. His recruitment is believed to be linked to financial struggles and depression. Australia has not confirmed details regarding his disappearance.