A member of the British Armed Forces who died in Ukraine has been named as Private First Class George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
The Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the 28-year-old was killed in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian troops test “new defense capabilities away from the front lines”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the paratrooper in the House of Commons on Wednesday, saying: “His life was one of courage and determination.
“He served our country honorably and distinguishedly in the cause of freedom and democracy around the world, including as part of a small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
Starmer said he had placed his name on record in the House of Commons “to express our gratitude and respect and to confirm that his service will never be forgotten”.
Defense Secretary John Healey expressed his condolences to Sgt Hooley’s family and colleagues.
He wrote on the
The BBC understands the incident was not caused by enemy fire. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has been contacted for comment.
It is unclear what Sergeant Hooley’s role is in the country. This is the first confirmed presence of paratroopers in Ukraine.
The British government has never disclosed the number of troops in Ukraine, but has previously acknowledged that a small number are there to support the Ukrainian armed forces and provide security for diplomats.
The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army.
It has not yet been confirmed which battalion Sergeant Hooley serves. The first battalion was commanded by the Special Forces, while the other battalions were part of the Army’s Rapid Reaction Force.
This is the first publicly announced death of a British service member since February 2022.
The Parachute Regiment expressed its condolences at the death of the 28-year-old, who joined the British Army in November 2015.
A statement on social media said he joined the regiment in June 2016 after completing training at Catterick Infantry Training Center in North Yorkshire.
Starmer told the House of Commons that he met Ukrainian President Zelensky in Downing Street on Monday, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as talks to end the war intensify.
“We must redouble our efforts,” he told the House.
“The UK, Europe and our allies will fight alongside Ukraine to resist Putin’s aggression and work towards a just and lasting peace.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenock, who also spoke in the House of Commons, said: “The thoughts of the entire House are rightfully with the family of Warrant Officer Hooley, who tragically died while supporting the fight for freedom in Ukraine.”
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
A series of talks to end the war have been held in recent weeks, following intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump and a number of European leaders.