The UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) announced on 16/9 the death of Major Paul Wilks, who passed away on 12/9 in a tragic road traffic accident in Ukraine. The incident occurred in an area far from the front lines.

British media reported that Major Wilks, 40 years old, was a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He was commissioned as a British army officer on 14/4/2012, subsequently joining the army intelligence force, where he served throughout his career.

Major Paul Wilks in a photo released on 17/9. Photo: *UK MoD*

The UK MoD stated that Major Wilks had participated in multiple overseas missions, including Afghanistan, and had received numerous commendations for service.

"Major Wilks was an exceptionally intelligent and professional officer, embodying the finest qualities of the British army," the agency emphasized. It described Wilks as a talented leader who earned the admiration and respect of those he worked with.

General Matthew Jones, director of the UK Defence Intelligence Agency, hailed Wilks as "one of the most talented intelligence officers of this generation." UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also praised Wilks for having "served his country with pride and dedication."

Major Wilks is the second regular British servicemember to die in Ukraine since the conflict began. In 12/2025, the British government announced that Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28 years old, had died in Ukraine after a tragic accident. Hooley's death occurred while observing local forces test new defensive capabilities, also in an area far from the front lines.

*Thanh Danh (According to Sky News, Times, APA)*