A second British soldier killed while serving in Ukraine has been named as Major Paul Wilks.
The Intelligence Corps officer died in a road traffic accident ‘away from the front lines’ on Saturday, September 12, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The married father-of-two, who may have been serving with UK Special Forces (UKSF), was praised by colleagues for his intellect and devotion to duty.
No specific location for the incident has been revealed. Previously, the MoD has acknowledged the presence of a small number of selected UK personnel in Ukraine.
Their roles include providing security for British diplomats working in support of the country’s armed forces.
In December last year a paratrooper, Lance Corporal George Hooley, was killed in Ukraine in mysterious circumstances.
Officials merely confirmed that LCpl Hooley, 28, was ‘testing a new defensive capability away from the front lines’.
The MoD has insisted repeatedly that no British forces are actively involved in the fighting.
Major Paul Wilks (pictured) died in a road traffic accident away from the front lines on Saturday, September 12
Major Wilks is likely to have come from a Special Forces background as the MoD’s tributes to the fallen officer were released anonymously.
His unnamed Commanding Officer (CO) said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we honour the memory of Major Paul Wilks.
‘Even in high-pressure environments, Paul maintained a sharp sense of humour and a genuine warmth that connected him to everyone in his unit. He was a made of great intellect yet he remained a mate to those with whom he served.
‘He spoke often of his love for his wife and two sons, expressing deep gratitude for the support they provided, which allowed him to serve with such distinction.
‘Major Wilks represented the finest traditions of UK Defence. It was a privilege to have served alongside him. We will miss him.’
Maj Wilks was born in 1985 and commissioned into the Intelligence Corps after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).
Prior to deploying to Ukraine he completed two operational tours of Afghanistan. Earlier this year he was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct (LSGC) medal.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Major Wilks served this country with pride and dedication. His loss will be deeply felt by those around him.
‘The tributes paid by those who worked with Paul illustrate his exceptional talent and ability, underscored by genuine warmth, compassion and desire to support others.
‘His loss is a poignant reminder of the enormous sacrifice that our Armed Forces and their families make in the service of our country.’
