【Wen/Observer Net, Liu Bai】According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on December 10, the UK Ministry of Defence announced in a statement on the 9th that a British military personnel died accidentally while observing the testing of new defensive equipment in Ukraine. This is the first time since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that the UK has publicly announced a death of military personnel.

According to the UK's statement, the person was injured and died in an accident while observing the Ukrainian military test new defensive equipment in an area away from the front line. The statement added that the family of the deceased has been informed, and the incident did not result in any other British casualties.

UK Prime Minister Starmer said, "I have extended my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the British military personnel who died tragically today."

In his statement, he said, "Their service and sacrifice will always be remembered."

UK Defence Secretary John Healy said, "I am deeply saddened by the death of the British military personnel in Ukraine." "In their time of mourning, my thoughts are with their families, friends, and colleagues."

Chairman of the UK Defence Committee Tanmjit Singh Dhesi said, "This tragic incident reminds us profoundly that even when operating outside the front lines, those serving the country still face risks. I pay tribute to their professionalism and dedication."

The specific branch of the military and duties of the personnel involved are currently unclear.

BBC learned that the incident is believed not to have been caused by enemy fire.

The UK Ministry of Defence stated it would not make further comments.

February 16, 2023, England, UK - Ukrainian new recruits participate in an urban environment training exercise led by Swedish Army personnel. Visual China

The UK government has never confirmed the number of personnel stationed in Ukraine, but previously admitted that a small number of personnel were in Ukraine to assist the Ukrainian military and provide security for diplomatic staff.

This is the first time since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022 that the UK has publicly announced the death of a military personnel.

In recent weeks, efforts to push for negotiations to end the conflict have intensified. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited Downing Street on the 8th, and Starmer pledged that the UK would support Kyiv in achieving a "just and lasting ceasefire."

On November 20, U.S. media disclosed a 28-point peace plan drafted by the U.S. and Russia for Ukraine, which was seen as favoring Russia by Ukraine and Europe. U.S., Ukrainian, and European representatives held talks in Geneva, Switzerland, and made significant modifications to the proposal.

Zelenskyy said on the 8th that his government "has no authority to cede its territory" and would amend the U.S.-proposed peace plan and submit it to the U.S.

Previously, the Financial Times quoted sources saying that U.S. President Trump hoped to reach an agreement on the Ukraine issue "before Christmas."

Trump recently told the website Politico that Russia is currently "in a stronger position" in the peace negotiations regarding Ukraine and is in a more favorable position, and now it is time for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy "to start accepting reality."

He said that Ukraine should now hold elections, "they are using the war to avoid elections, but the Ukrainian people should have the right to vote."

Trump also criticized European countries for "talking but not doing," saying, "They talk too much but don't keep their promises... they just talk but don't act, and the conflict continues."

A day later, Zelenskyy announced that if the U.S. and Europe could ensure election safety, Ukraine was willing to hold elections within 60 to 90 days. This statement broke the Ukrainian government's long-standing principle of "elections after the war."

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7582104511347425846/

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