The primary serving member of the British armed forces has been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale battle.
He died on Tuesday following a “tragic accident” whereas watching the Ukrainian army check a brand new weapon away from the frontline, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) mentioned.
Hostile fireplace isn’t thought to have been concerned.
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Picture:
The frontline city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk area in Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute to him.
“My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our Armed Forces who sadly lost their life today,” Sir Keir mentioned.
“Their service and sacrifice won’t ever be forgotten.
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Mr Healey mentioned he was “devastated by the demise of a UK service individual 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 UK has beforehand acknowledged the presence of a small variety of service personnel in Ukraine who’re serving to the Ukrainian army, in addition to offering safety for the British ambassador and different diplomats on the embassy in Kyiv.
There are additionally British troops who’ve been giving medical coaching.
Picture:
The aftermath of a Russian drone assault on Dnipro. Pic: AP
Dozens of former British troops, in addition to overseas fighters from many different international locations, have travelled to Ukraine to battle for the Ukrainian armed forces ever since Russia launched its full-scale battle virtually 4 years in the past.
A lot of them have been killed in battle.
However that is the primary time a serving member of the army has died.
“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,” the MoD mentioned in a press release.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines.”
It was not instantly clear whether or not the accident occurred on the identical day that he died. The placement the place it occurred has additionally not been confirmed.
Picture:
Russian troops launched a drone assault on Dnipro on Monday. Pic: AP
The serviceman’s household has been notified.
Shines a light-weight on UK army’s position
The demise shines a uncommon gentle on the little-discussed work of the UK army contained in the nation.
Little or no is claimed concerning the mission amid issues that Russia may exploit the discrete UK presence to falsely declare that serving British troopers are actively preventing in opposition to Russian troops.
The primary confirmed demise of a serving member of the British armed forces confirms the numerous dangers they’re taking.
However the Kremlin can even probably seize on the tragedy to amplify bogus claims about NATO forces already being deployed in Ukraine, preventing immediately in opposition to Russia.
