A member of the British Armed Forces was killed in a tragic accident in Ukraine while overseeing weapons testing away from the frontlines, the UK Ministry of Defence reported on Tuesday.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the death of a member of the British Armed Forces in Ukraine this morning,” the Ministry said. This marks the first UK military fatality in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The Ministry explained that the service member was injured during a weapons test observation with Ukrainian forces, conducted far from the combat zone.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered condolences: “My deepest sympathies go to the family of our Armed Forces member, who tragically lost their life today. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Previously, the UK confirmed that a small number of British personnel are present in Ukraine to support Ukrainian forces.
This incident follows a 2023 case where a former British soldier volunteering in Ukraine was killed away from the frontlines. A UK coroner later determined he was killed by a fellow volunteer combatant.
