Member of UK armed forces dies in accident in Ukraine
A member of the UK armed forces has died in Ukraine while watching the testing of a new defensive capability, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The individual’s family has been informed, it added, and there were no other British casualties as a result of the incident.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he sent his “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,” he said in a statement.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the death of a UK service person in Ukraine”.
“My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one.”
It is not known which service the individual served in or what his role was.
The BBC understands the incident is not thought to have been caused by hostile fire.
The MoD said it would not comment further.
The UK government has never confirmed the number of service people in Ukraine, but has previously acknowledged a small number in the country to support Ukraine’s armed forces and provide security to diplomatic personnel.
It is the first time a UK military death has been publicly announced since February 2022.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said he was “deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that a member of the UK armed forces died this morning in Ukraine”.
“My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Fighting has raged in Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion more than three years ago in February 2022.
