The service member died in an “accident” while observing a weapons test, the Defense Ministry has said
A UK military service member has been killed in an undisclosed incident in Ukraine, the British Ministry of Defense has announced.
“It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning,” the MOD said on X on Tuesday.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines,” the ministry added, without elaborating.
According to the BBC, the incident is not thought to have been caused by hostile fire. The Telegraph cited a defense source as saying that it was the first official UK military casualty in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered condolences to the family of the fallen serviceman. “Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he wrote on X.
Last year, the UK admitted that a “small number of personnel” were serving in a supportive role in Ukraine. London has been one of Kiev’s chief arms suppliers, and more than 56,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained under the British-led Operation Interflex.
Russia maintains that Western countries’ arms deliveries and training programs make them de facto participants in the conflict. Moscow has said it would treat any foreign troops on Ukrainian soil as legitimate targets.
At least 40 UK citizens have died fighting for Ukraine since 2022, according to The Telegraph.
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