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A member of the UK armed forces has died in Ukraine while watching the testing of a new defensive capability, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The individual’s family has been informed, it added, and there were no other British casualties as a result of the incident.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he sent his “deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our armed forces who sadly lost their life today”.
“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said in a statement.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the death of a UK service person in Ukraine”.
“My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one.”
It is not known which service the individual served in or what his role was.
The BBC understands the incident is not thought to have been caused by hostile fire.
The MoD said it would not comment further.
The UK government has never confirmed the number of service people in Ukraine, but has previously acknowledged a small number in the country to support Ukraine’s armed forces and provide security to diplomatic personnel.
It is the first death of a UK service member in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.
The chairman of the Defence Committee, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, said: “This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who serve our country, even when operating away from the front lines. I pay tribute to their professionalism and commitment.”
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said he was “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.”
Fighting has raged in Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion more than three years ago in February 2022.
Efforts to negotiate an end to the war have intensified in recent weeks, including a visit by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Monday where Sir Keir pledged the UK’s support for Kyiv in achieving “a just and lasting ceasefire”.
The meeting was part of a push by Zelensky to deter the US from backing a peace deal which includes major concessions from Kyiv, and which allies fear would leave it vulnerable to future invasion, with Ukraine set to present alternative proposals to the White House.
