Dec. 10 (UPI) — A British soldier has died in Ukraine in what London’s Ministry of Defense has called “a tragic accident.”
The unidentified member of Britain’s Armed Forces died Tuesday morning while “observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Britain has no combat troops deployed in the Ukraine-Russia war, but as a close ally of Kyiv, has played a leading supporting role by providing weapons, military equipment and training to Ukrainian forces.
Little information about the circumstances of the soldier’s death has been made public.
“My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our Armed Forces who sadly lost their life today,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Defense Secretary John Healy said he was “devastated” by the soldier’s death, and offered their thoughts to their family and friends.
“Our hearts go out to them,” he said.
The announcement comes a day after Starmer and other key European leaders hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London, amid a U.S.-led push to secure an end to the war.
