Original article (in Montenegrin) was published on 15/12/2025; Author: Marko Vukajlović
Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, claims have circulated alleging that Western countries’ forces are present on the front lines and directly participating in operations on the Ukrainian side.
These claims are part of Russian propaganda, which Raskrinkavanje has addressed on multiple occasions.
A regional media outlet published an article under the headline: (1, 2) (archived here: 1, 2)
Britons suffered losses on the Ukrainian front
However, the article itself does not state that Britons suffered losses on the front, but rather that one soldier was killed (archived: here). This was also confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence. Its statement notes that he lost his life far from the front line:
“It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died in Ukraine on December 9 2025. Lance Corporal Hooley died following a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines. He was 28 years old.”
The news was also reported by the British media. The Guardian writes:
“Experts said it appeared from official statements that Hooley had been watching a test of UK-supplied defensive equipment, or was witnessing how Ukrainians were learning to use their own kit, before something went disastrously wrong. No other British soldiers are understood to have been injured in the incident.”
The Guardian article adds that the UK has been cautious about acknowledging its military personnel in Ukraine, estimating that there are likely around a hundred there. The reason cited aligns with what Raskrinkavanje has previously written – that the UK seeks to avoid giving Russia “ammunition” to exploit their presence for propaganda purposes.
The BBC also reported on Corporal Hooley’s death, stating:
“The BBC understands the incident is not thought to have been caused by hostile fire. A military source told the BBC two Ukrainian personnel were believed to have died in the incident, and several more were injured. The weapons system being tested was said to be an armed interceptor drone, according to unconfirmed reports. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment. It is not known what L/Cpl Hooley’s role wasin the country. This is the first time the presence of paratroopers in Ukraine has been confirmed. The UK government has never disclosed the number of service people in Ukraine, but has previously acknowledged a small number is there to support Ukrainian armed forces and provide security to diplomatic personnel.
… It is the first death of a UK service member in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.”
All relevant sources make it clear that one British soldier was killed in Ukraine, not several or many, as might be inferred from the disputed article. Therefore, posts containing this claim are rated as a manipulation of facts.
The “Manipulation of Facts” rating is given to a media report that uses known and accurate facts but interprets them in a deceptive manner. These reports generally employ accurate information to draw incorrect conclusions or claims, leading media consumers to draw conclusions that differ from the actual meaning of the presented facts.
