THE first British soldier to be killed in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion has now been pictured.
Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, died of his wounds during an accident while testing an air-defence weapon “away from the front lines”, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
He was serving with the elite Special Forces Support Group, which is drawn from 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment, based in St Athan in Wales.
Their roles include supporting the SAS and SBS on missions.
His next of kin have been informed.
Tributes are now pouring in for the “extraordinary” soldier who died on Tuesday.
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At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir 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 soldier’s commanding officer said: “Lance Corporal Hooley’s future within The Parachute Regiment was incredibly bright, and I have no doubt that he would have continued to perform at the very front of his peer group over the coming years.
“All members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Several troops were killed in a catastrophic accident.
One source said at least four others from Ukrainian forces have died – bringing the total death toll to five.
A friend of the fallen Brit said: “There were multiple other fatalities.”
Ukraine’s armed forces declined to comment. They rarely acknowledge military losses.
The presence of paratroopers in Ukraine has not previously been disclosed by the Government.
MoD sources insisted they had “previously acknowledged the presence of a small number of British personnel in Ukraine”.
They said the troops were there for “providing security to our diplomatic presence and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine”.
The declared deployments of British forces include a small number of medics supporting Ukraine’s military rehabilitation centres.
There are now fears Vladimir Putin could seize on the tragedy as a justification for ramping up the war.
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