From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
A British serviceman dies on a Ukraine road
A UK forces member was killed in a crash in Ukraine, and the MoD says hostile action was not to blame.
In brief
A UK forces member was killed in a crash in Ukraine, and the MoD says hostile action was not to blame. Not every death in a war zone comes from the fighting. Britain's small presence in Ukraine carries everyday risk too. Originally reported by the Guardian.
A death announced
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a member of the UK armed forces was killed in a crash in Ukraine on Saturday. The person has not been named.
Not hostile action
It was a road traffic incident, and it is understood the crash was not the result of an attack. The family has been told and asked for time before more details go public.
“Our thoughts and our sympathies are with the individual's loved ones at this difficult time”
Westminster responds
Defence secretary Wes Streeting called it very sad news for the family and those grieving in the armed forces. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge added his condolences.
“My deepest condolences go to them all.”
Why Britons are there
A small number of British personnel in Ukraine guard diplomats and support the Ukrainian armed forces. It is a limited footprint, well short of a combat role.
A second loss
British paratrooper George Hooley, 28, died in Ukraine in December while watching Ukrainian forces test defensive capability. The MoD called it a tragic accident away from the frontlines.
“He served with honour”
The war grinds on
Russia's invasion is in its fifth year. On Sunday a drone hit a train at Yahodyn near the Polish border, shortly after Boris Johnson's train left Kyiv ahead of schedule.
“It was quite possible the drone had been aimed at Johnson's train.”
The key point
Not every death in a war zone comes from the fighting. Britain's small presence in Ukraine carries everyday risk too.
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