The primary serving member of the British armed forces has been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale conflict.
He died on Tuesday following a “tragic accident” whereas watching the Ukrainian navy take a look at a brand new weapon away from the frontline, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) mentioned.
Hostile hearth isn’t thought to have been concerned.
The frontline city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk area in Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
The Solar newspaper reported that the serviceman was within the Particular Forces. An MoD spokesperson would neither affirm nor deny the declare and the person’s rank and repair haven’t but been revealed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute to him.
“My deepest sympathy and condolences to the household of the member of our Armed Forces who sadly misplaced their life right now,” Sir Keir mentioned.
“Their service and sacrifice won’t ever be forgotten.
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Mr Healey mentioned he was “devastated by the demise of a UK service individual in Ukraine.
“My ideas are with their household, associates and colleagues as they grieve for a liked one. Our hearts exit to them.”
The UK has beforehand acknowledged the presence of a small variety of service personnel in Ukraine who’re serving to the Ukrainian navy, in addition to offering safety for the British ambassador and different diplomats on the embassy in Kyiv.
There are additionally British troops who’ve been giving medical coaching.
The aftermath of a Russian drone assault on Dnipro. Pic: AP
Dozens of former British troops, in addition to international fighters from many different nations, have travelled to Ukraine to struggle for the Ukrainian armed forces ever since Russia launched its full-scale conflict virtually 4 years in the past.
Plenty of them have been killed in battle.
However that is the primary time a serving member of the navy has died.
“It’s with deep remorse that we should announce {that a} member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday 9 December,” the MoD mentioned in an announcement.
“He was injured in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces take a look at a brand new defensive functionality, away from the entrance traces.”
It was not instantly clear whether or not the accident occurred on the identical day that he died. The situation the place it occurred has additionally not been confirmed.
Russian troops launched a drone assault on Dnipro on Monday. Pic: AP
The serviceman’s household has been notified.
Shines a lightweight on UK navy’s position
The demise shines a uncommon mild on the little-discussed work of the UK navy contained in the nation.
Little or no is claimed concerning the mission amid considerations that Russia may exploit the discrete UK presence to falsely declare that serving British troopers are actively combating in opposition to Russian troops.
Learn extra on Sky Information:
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The primary confirmed demise of a serving member of the British armed forces confirms the numerous dangers they’re taking.
However the Kremlin may also seemingly seize on the tragedy to amplify bogus claims about NATO forces already being deployed in Ukraine, combating straight in opposition to Russia.
