UK Paratrooper Dies in Ukraine: 28-Year-Old Hero Named
UK paratrooper George Hooley, 28, dies in a tragic training accident in Ukraine, marking the first publicly confirmed UK military death since 2022.
A member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine has been named as Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said Hooley, 28, died 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 Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "His life was filled with courage and determination.
"He served our country with honour and distinction, even as part of a small number of British people in Ukraine, fighting for freedom and democracy around the world."
Sir Keir said he had placed L/Cappl Hooley's name on record in the Commons "to show our thanks and respect, and to ensure that his service will never be forgotten."
Defence Secretary John Healey shared his condolences with L/Cappl Hooley's family and colleagues.
He wrote on X: "He served our country with distinction. His tragic death reminds us of the courage and commitment with which our finest armed forces serve every day."
It is understood that the incident was not caused by enemy fire.
A military source stated that two Ukrainians were killed and several others injured in the incident.
According to unconfirmed reports, the weapon system being tested was an armed interceptor drone.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.
It is not known what role L/Cpl Hooley played in the country. This is the first time the presence of paratroopers in Ukraine has been confirmed.
The UK government has never disclosed the number of paratroopers serving in Ukraine, but has previously acknowledged that some are there to support the Ukrainian armed forces and protect diplomatic personnel.
The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army.
It has not been confirmed whether L/Cpl Hooley served in the country. Which battalion did he serve in? The 1st Battalion is under Special Forces, while the 2nd is part of the Army's Rapid Response Formation.
This is the first time the death of a UK military personnel has been publicly announced since February 2022.
The Parachute Regiment said it was saddened by the death of the 28-year-old soldier, who joined the British Army in November 2015.
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A statement on social media said he joined the regiment in June 2016 after completing his training at Infantry Training Centre Catterick in North Yorkshire.
Sir Keir told the Commons that he had met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Downing Street on Monday, as well as French President Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as negotiations to end the war intensified.
"The UK, Europe and our partners will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine," Putin said. will face the anger of the United States and work to bring about a just and lasting peace."
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch also spoke in the Commons, saying: "The thoughts of the entire House will truly be with them and the family of Lance Corporal Hooley, who tragically died while helping Ukraine fight for independence."
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022.
Following the intervention of US President Donald Trump and several European leaders, numerous talks have taken place in recent weeks to end the war.
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