The UK defense ministry on Wednesday named the British service person killed in Ukraine on Tuesday as Lance Corporal George Hooley of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.
The ministry released a statement announcing that a member of Britain’s armed forces had died in Ukraine on Tuesday, but did not identify him until Wednesday.
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“Lance Corporal Hooley died following a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines. He was 28 years old,” the ministry said in a statement.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also named Hooley in parliament on Wednesday, “to express our gratitude and respect, and to affirm that his service will never be forgotten.”
According to the ministry’s statement, Hooley had previously deployed to Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Also on Wednesday, an unnamed military source told the BBC that two Ukrainian personnel were believed to have died in the incident, and several more were injured – although Ukraine’s armed forces have not confirmed this report.
Hooley’s death represents the first official confirmation that British paratroopers – soldiers belonging to the elite airborne infantry regiment – are present in Ukraine.
It is not clear what “new defensive capability” he might have been observing at the time of the accident that caused his death.
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Hooley’s commanding officer said that “all members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss.”
“However, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time,” he added.
Also on Wednesday, Starmer and other European leaders spoke to US President Donald Trump about Ukraine, as President Volodymr Zelensky prepares to hand over a finalized draft of its peace plan to the US.
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