A member of the UK Armed Forces has been killed in Ukraine following what the Ministry of Defence described as a "tragic accident" on Tuesday morning.
The serviceman died while watching Ukrainian forces conduct a trial of a new defensive capability at a location away from the front lines, according to an Ministry of Defence statement posted on X.
The man had been serving in an observer role and was not engaged in combat operations when the incident occurred.
His death is one of the few publicly confirmed British military fatalities connected to the UK's support mission in Ukraine.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The Ministry of Defence's full statement read: "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."
It concluded: "The fatal incident is not assessed as being the result of hostile fire."
A British armed forces has been killed in a 'tragic accident' behind the Ukrainan frontline
|GETTY
No further information regarding the specific system being tested or the precise circumstances surrounding the accident has been released.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent his “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the family of a member of the UK armed forces who was killed in Ukraine.
“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten," Sir Kier added.
Defence Secretary John Healey also expressed his anguish at the news, writing: "Devastated by the death of a UK service personnel in Ukraine.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The news came after the Prime Minister hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Downing Street
|GETTY
"My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one. Our hearts go out to them," he said.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: “I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that a member of the UK armed forces died this morning in Ukraine.
“My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
The UK Government previously acknowledged a "small number" of military personnel are stationed in Ukraine. These personnel primarily provide security for British diplomatic operations and offer support to the Ukrainian armed forces.
British troops have been involved in training, advisory and technical assistance roles for Ukraine since before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Officials have consistently emphasised British armed forces personnel are not deployed in combat roles.
The sad news followed a meeting between Sir Keir, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street on Monday.
“Following the meeting with the leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine, the Prime Minister convened a call with other European allies alongside President Zelensky to update them on the latest situation,” a No10 spokesman said.
“The leaders all agreed that now is a critical moment and that we must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin to bring an end to this barbaric war.
All leaders have “agreed to keep in touch” on the issue and have instructed their National Security Advisors to continue discussing the issue.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
More From GB News