British paratrooper killed in Ukraine was observing defensive capability test

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.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 frontlines 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 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, it is understood.The Parachute regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British army, primarily based at Merville barracks in Colchester.It has not been disclosed which battalion of the Parachute regiment Hooley served in. The 1st battalion is under the direction of special forces while other battalions are part of the British army’s rapid response formation.