A soldier killed in Ukraine as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability was a 28-year-old paratrooper.
The “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning when Lance Corporal George Hooley was with Ukrainian military counterparts.
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the Parachute Regiment soldier at Prime Minister’s Questions, saying: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our Armed Forces who sadly lost their life today.
Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The UK has previously acknowledged that a “small number” of military personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.
The presence of paratroopers in Ukraine has not previously been disclosed by the Government.
The fatal incident is not assessed as being the result of hostile fire, the Press Association understands.
The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army, primarily based at Merville Barracks in Colchester.
It has not been disclosed which battalion of the Parachute Regiment L/Cpl Hooley served in. The 1st Battalion is under the direction of special forces while other battalions are part of the British Army’s rapid response formation.
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