A soldier killed in Ukraine as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability was a 28-year-old paratrooper.

The “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning when Lance Corporal George Hooley was with Ukrainian military counterparts.

Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the Parachute Regiment soldier at Prime Minister’s Questions, saying: “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.”

In a statement on social media, the Parachute Regiment said L/Cpl Hooley joined the army in November 2015 and attended infantry training in Catterick, north Yorkshire.

The UK has previously acknowledged that a “small number” of military personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

The presence of paratroopers in Ukraine has not previously been disclosed by the Government.

The fatal incident is not assessed as being the result of hostile fire, the Press Association understands.

It is with sadness that we can confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine yesterday is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. pic.twitter.com/WLkSnjanRB

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) December 10, 2025