The British soldier who lost his life in Ukraine has been named as Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.

Lance Corporal Hooley, 28, was killed in a “tragic accident”, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said yesterday, while observing the testing of a new defensive capability.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter ) the Ministry of Defence said: "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.

"He was 28 years old.

"Our thoughts are with Lance Corpral Hooley's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

His death took place away from the front lines of the conflict , the government confirmed, adding there had been no other British casualties as a result of the incident. His death was reportedly not caused by hostile fire.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement he was sending his "deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our armed forces who sadly lost their life today". "Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten," he added.

Lance Corporal Hooley's death is the first UK military fatality in Ukraine to be publicly announced since Russia launched a full-scale invasion more than three years ago in February 2022.

While the government has never said how many members of the armed forces are currently serving in Ukraine, it has confirmed that a small number are working on the ground in the country.

UK service members are in Ukraine to support the local armed forces and provide security to diplomatic personnel.

Defence Secretary John Healey said on Tuesday he was "devastated by the death of a UK service person in Ukraine".

"My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one."

The news comes amid increased efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky visiting Downing Street on Monday after the US showed signs of backing a peace deal widely seen to favour Russia and which would include major concessions from Kyiv.