British paratrooper killed in Ukraine named
It has been announced that the member of the UK armed forces who died in Ukraine was Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense said the 28-year-old was killed in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian forces testing “a new defensive capability away from the front lines.”
Paying tribute to the paratrooper in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “His life was full of courage and determination.
“As part of the small number of British staff in Ukraine, he served our country with worldwide honor and distinction in the cause of freedom and democracy.”
Starmer said he had registered his name in the House of Commons “to express our gratitude and respect and to confirm that his service will never be forgotten”.
Defense Minister John Healey shared his condolences with L/Cpl Hooley’s family and colleagues.
He wrote of X: “He served our country with distinction. His tragic death reminds us of the courage and dedication our extraordinary armed forces show in service every day.”
The BBC understands the incident is not thought to have been caused by enemy fire. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has been approached for comment.
It is unknown what L/Cpl Hooley’s role in the country was. The presence of paratroopers in Ukraine is confirmed for the first time.
The UK government has never disclosed the number of troops in Ukraine but has previously acknowledged that a small number are there to support the Ukrainian armed forces and ensure the safety of diplomatic staff.
The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army.
It is not confirmed which battalion L/Cpl Hooley served in. The first battalion is under the command of special forces, while the others are part of the Army’s rapid response organization.
This is the first time the death of a soldier has been made public in the UK since February 2022.
The Parachute Regiment said it mourned the death of the 28-year-old soldier, who joined the British Army in November 2015.
In a statement made on social media, it was stated that he joined the Regiment in June 2016 after completing his training at Infantry Training Center Catterick in North Yorkshire.
Starmer said in the House of Commons that he met with Ukrainian President Zelensky, along with French President Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in Downing Street on Monday, as negotiation efforts to end the war intensified.
“We must redouble our efforts,” he told the House of Representatives.
“Britain, Europe and our allies will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, confront Putin’s aggression and work to deliver a just and lasting peace.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The thoughts of the whole House will rightly be with the family of Lance Corporal Hooley, who died tragically in Ukraine’s fight for freedom.”
Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
A series of talks aimed at ending the war have been held in recent weeks, following interventions by US President Donald Trump and a number of European leaders.
