The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a member of the UK Armed Forces who was killed in Ukraine is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
Hooley was not on the front lines and was injured whilst observing Ukrainian troops test new defence capabilities.
The MoD said that a “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning, Lance Corporal Hooley was 28-years-old.
A friend of Lance Corporal Hooley said, “There were multiple other fatalities.”
At Prime Minister’s Questions Sir Keir Starmer said, “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“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.”
The Parachute Regiment is today mourning the death of Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died following a tragic accident in Ukraine. LCpl Hooley was 28 and was observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines.
Ready for anything 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/BI3ZtsKbrc
— TheParachuteRegiment (@TheParachuteReg) December 10, 2025
Defence Secretary John Healey said in a statement, “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday 9 December.
“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.”
The Parachute Regiment wrote on X, “The Parachute Regiment is today mourning the death of Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died following a tragic accident in Ukraine.
“LCpl Hooley was 28 and was observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines.”
The UK MoD said in a statement, “It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine [on] Tuesday 9 December.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines.”
