UK member of the armed forces killed in Ukraine in ‘tragic accident’

A member of the UK armed forces has been killed in Ukraine as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning when the member of the armed forces was watching his Ukrainian counterparts test a new defensive capability away from the front lines, the MoD said in a statement posted on X.

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” by the man’s death.

The Ministry of Defence statement said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.

“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.

“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”

In a post on X, the Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Devastated by the death of a UK service personnel in Ukraine.

“My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one. Our hearts go out to them.”