British soldier killed in Ukraine was 28-year-old paratrooper

A British soldier killed in Ukraine has been named as 28-year-old paratrooper, Lance Corporal George Hooley.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed in a statement that Hooley, of the Parachute Regiment, died in a “tragic accident” on Tuesday morning as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability with Ukrainian military counterparts.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Hooley at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.

“Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability,” he said.

“His life was full of courage and determination. 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.”

Hooley joined the Army in November 2015, attending the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, and completing training in June 2016 before joining the division, The Parachute Regiment said.

The UK has previously acknowledged that a “small number” of military personnel are in the country, mainly to provide security for the British diplomatic presence and to support the Ukrainian armed forces.

This is breaking news, more to follow…