The British soldier who died in a road traffic accident in Ukraine last week has been identified by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as Major Paul Wilks. The 40-year-old was described by the MoD as a "gifted leader who earned the admiration and respect of all those fortunate enough to have served alongside him."
The incident occurred on Saturday and was not the result of hostile action, according to BBC reports. The MoD confirmed the accident happened "away from the front lines."
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated, "Major Wilks served this country with pride and dedication. His loss will be deeply felt by those around him." He added that tributes from those who worked with Major Wilks highlighted his "exceptional talent and ability, underscored by genuine warmth, compassion and a desire to support others." Streeting also noted, "His loss is a poignant reminder of the enormous sacrifice that our armed forces and their families make in the service of our country."
Major Wilks, who the MoD described as a "proud family man," is survived by his wife and two sons. He joined the Intelligence Corps in 2012 and completed multiple operational tours, including to Afghanistan. He was awarded two operational service medals and a long service and good conduct medal.
His commanding officer remembered Major Wilks as "a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with." The officer added that Major Wilks frequently spoke of his love for his family and expressed gratitude for their support, which enabled him to serve with distinction. The commanding officer concluded that it was "because of that foundation that he was able to meet the challenges of his role, and it is in the course of his devotion to duty that he made the ultimate sacrifice."