Armed forces member killed in 'tragic accident' in Ukraine, as Starmer leads tributes
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” by the man’s death
A member of the UK armed forces has been killed in Ukraine as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, the Ministry of Defence has said.
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The “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning when the member of the armed forces was watching his Ukrainian counterparts test the new defensive capability away from the front lines, the MoD said in a statement posted on X.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” by the man’s death.
The statement read: "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 expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.
In a tribute shared on social media, Sir Keir said: "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 John Healey said: “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. Our hearts go out to them.”
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: “I am 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."
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 armed forces.
The fatal incident is not assessed as being the result of hostile fire, the Press Association understands.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent his "deepest sympathy and condolences" to the man's family, adding: "Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Dr Andrew Curtis, a military expert, spoke to LBC News's Charlotte Lynch about the death of the British armed forces member in Ukraine.
Dr Curtis told Charlotte: "It would be very surprising, given the close ties between UK and Ukrainian military, if there were not some sort of observer presence by the UK armed forces in Ukraine today."
"In this situation, there is always risk. Clearly there was some sort of accident. In due course, we're more likely to learn what it was. But it could have been anything from defensive aids, drones, artillery, indeed, any number of situations that could have drawn a UK military observer to testing being carried out by the Ukrainians."
"To reassure the UK public that there are not British forces fighting alongside Ukrainians in that conflict, fighting the Russians. And the second thing I think is the message to President Putin and the Russians themselves.
"And it's a similar sort of message. And I think getting that message out first before the inevitable comeback that we will see from the Russians, they will undoubtedly look to make mischief of this."