The incident on Tuesday led to the first serving UK personnel fatality in Ukraine
A member of the UK Armed Forces has been killed in Ukraine whilst watching the testing of a new defensive capability, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.
The “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning when the member of the Armed Forces was watching his Ukrainian counterparts test a new defensive capability away from the front lines, the MoD said in a statement posted on X.
Sir Keir Starmer has offered his “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the family of the man, who is the first serving UK personnel fatality in Ukraine, while Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” by the incident.
No other British personnel were injured in the incident, The i Paper understands, and it is not yet clear whether there were any Ukrainian or other casualties.
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 military.
Tuesday’s fatal incident is not assessed as being the result of hostile fire, it is understood.
The MoD statement said: “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.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
The Prime Minister said in a statement on X: “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.”
In a post on X, the Defence Secretary said: “Devastated by the death of a UK service personnel in Ukraine.
“My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one. Our hearts go out to them.”
As of September, at least 40 Britons had reportedly been killed whilst fighting alongside the Ukrainian army since 2022.
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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.”
