By Jill McLaughlin
A British soldier was killed in Ukraine on Dec. 9 while watching a training exercise, the UK Ministry of Defense has confirmed.
It was the first death of a UK military member in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022.
“He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines,” the ministry posted on X. “The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
UK Defense Minister John Healey said he was “devastated” by the death.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one,” Healey wrote on X. “Our hearts go out to them.”
Britain has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers, committing up to $21.8 billion in military and civilian support. The UK and France are jointly leading a Coalition of the Willing to support the country’s future security.
The UK has also delivered more than 85,000 military drones to Ukraine this year, helped provide a new air defense system, and trained 60,000 Ukrainian personnel.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his intention to send troops to Ukraine in February to enforce a potential peace deal with Russia, saying the UK was ready to play a leading role in securing lasting peace.
He sent condolences to the family on Dec. 9.
“My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our Armed Forces who sadly lost their life today,” Starmer posted on X. “Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The exact number of British troops in Ukraine is not known, but documents leaked to the media under the Biden administration in 2023 suggest a small, undisclosed presence of UK special forces and military personnel in the country.
British officials have repeatedly stressed that their troops were not deployed in a combat role.
More details about the Dec. 9 accident are expected to be released when investigations conclude.
Discussions among Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv of a deal to end the conflict are continuing. Most recently, meetings have taken place in Florida, Geneva, and Moscow to hash out an acceptable deal.
Negotiators have not yet reached consensus on a draft plan offered by U.S. special envoy for peace missions Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Nov. 20.
Russian military deaths and injuries have likely exceeded 790,000 since the conflict started in 2022, according to the Russia Matters blog by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center.
Among Ukrainians, the number of military deaths and injuries is estimated to be about 400,000, according to Russia Matters.
