VLADIMIR Putin could seize on the death of the British Special Forces soldier in Ukraine to ramp up threats for the next World War, it is feared.
It is the first time a serving member of the British military has been killed inside the war-torn nation – and Moscow will likely exploit the tragedy to falsely claim that Nato has been directly fighting against Russia.
The Brit soldier was observing Ukrainian forces test a new air defence system when he was mortally wounded on Saturday, the Ministry of Defence has said.
He died from his injuries in the hospital on Tuesday.
The man’s family have been notified after the “tragic accident” which occurred away from the frontlines, according to the MoD.
Dozens of Brits as well as foreign fighters from many other countries, have travelled to Ukraine to fight for the Ukrainian armed forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
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At least at least 45 British civilians have died far there after volunteering to help defend Kyiv against Moscow‘s onslaught.
But the deployment of active troops from Nato countries has always been a red line for Putin, who has on several occasions accused the alliance of directly helping Kyiv fight against the Russians.
He is likely to take this opportunity to falsely claim that Brit soldiers are fighting against Russian troops on the frontline – suggesting a direct involvement in the war.
Moscow could twist the facts to amplify threats against the West and ramp up fears of launching an attack against Britain.
This could trigger a catastrophic World War because it will invoke Nato’s mutual defence clause under Article 5, which states that any attack on a member state will obligate all the member states to respond militarily.
But Moscow’s claims would be bogus at best.
The only declared deployments of British forces in Ukraine are a small number of troops to protect the embassy and medics supporting rehab centres.
The location where it occurred has also not been confirmed.
His elite unit has not been revealed as the MoD said its policy is to “neither confirm nor deny” Special Forces operations.
The Special Forces regiments include the world-famous SAS, the SBS and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR).
Defence sources said they had “previously acknowledged” a small military presence in Ukraine.
A full statement from the MoD 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 while 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.”
Sir Keir Starmer led tributes to a member of the British armed forces who has been killed in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” for the service member.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the death” and his thoughts were with their “family, friends and colleagues as they grieve”.
It is not yet known which air defence system was involved in the fatal incident.
Earlier this year, the UK provided Gravehawk missiles to Ukraine in their fight against Russia.
The air defence system, designed by the UK and Denmarkis the size of a shipping container and retrofits air missiles for “ground-based air defence”.
The UK government said it means Ukrainians can use the weapons they already have.
Gravehawk is not the only piece of military hardware donated by Britain to Ukraine.
A British-manufactured Terrahawk Paladin short-range air defence system was also used in Ukraine.
In total, the UK has handed over an estimated £8.4 billion worth of weapons, including Storm Shadow long-range missiles and Challenger 2 tanks.