The British soldier who died in Ukraine on Tuesday has been named as Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the Commons on Wednesday that Hooley had died in a “tragic accident” away from the front line while observing a test of a new defensive capability with members of the Ukrainian military.
“His life was full of courage and determination,” Starmer said. “He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
Britain has been cautious about acknowledging the presence of its military personnel in Ukraine, a figure not thought to significantly exceed 100, partly to avoid exploitation by Russia for propaganda. The UK is preparing to join France and more than 30 other countries in deploying troops as part of a “coalition of the willing” intended to act as a stabilisation force after a durable ceasefire.
Experts said official statements suggested Hooley had been watching a test of UK-supplied defensive equipment or witnessing how Ukrainians were learning to use their own kit. No other British soldiers are believed to have been injured in the incident. The Ministry of Defence described Hooley as “an exceptional soldier and an impressive junior leader with extensive operational experience”, who joined the army in November 2015 and had served in Afghanistan, Africa and eastern Europe.
More than 40 Britons have died in Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022, but Hooley’s death is the first time a British soldier’s death has been publicly acknowledged. Defence Secretary John Healey said his thoughts were with Hooley’s family, adding that he “served our country with distinction and professionalism”.
