The British military was quick to add that the death of the soldier took place far from the front lines.
A British paratrooper was killed in Ukraine while helping train Ukrainian soldiers.
The death was the result of an accident and took place far from the frontlines. This is the first British soldier to die in Ukraine since the large-scale Russian invasion.
A Tragic Accident for the United Kingdom
“It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday 9 December,” the British Ministry of Defence stated yesterday.
On Wednesday, after the family of the soldier was properly notified, the British Ministry of Defence revealed that the unfortunate troop was Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
He was 28 years old.
Right now, the circumstances surrounding the death of Lance Cpl. Hooley remain unclear. It is not clear what weapon system he and his teammates were helping the Ukrainian military with or how he was fatally injured.
The UK has provided the Ukrainian military with a wide range of weapon systems, including main battle tanks, self-propelled artillery, air-launched cruise missiles, one-way attack unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone weapons, and anti-tank weapons, among other weapons. The weapon system involved in the accident would have to be something light and portable, such as a suicide drone or anti-tank missile, so that it can be used by British paratroopers.
“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,” British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on social media.
Then, on Wednesday, the British prime minister paid tribute to the fallen paratrooper during Prime Minister’s Questions.
“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,” Starmer said.
A British Soldier Dies Far from the Front Lines
The British military was quick to add that the death of the soldier took place far from the front lines.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines,” the British Ministry of Defence added.
In the past, there have been reports that British soldiers, particularly special operations units, are fighting alongside the Ukrainian military. London has been quick to shoot down this possibility to prevent a diplomatic incident with Moscow at a time when relations between the two countries are very low.
However, the British government has acknowledged that a small British military contingent is present in Ukraine, tasked with protecting the British embassy and diplomats, as well as providing training to the Ukrainian military.
The Parachute Regiment is an elite airborne light infantry unit consisting of four battalions. The 1st Battalion, colloquially known as 1 PARA, falls under the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG). The SFSG provides direct support to the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS). The UK Ministry of Defence has not disclosed in which battalion Hooley was serving at the time of the accident.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock.com / PRESSLAB
