UK Major Paul Wilks dies in Ukraine road accident

Major Paul Wilks, a 40-year-old intelligence officer with the UK Intelligence Corps, died in a road traffic accident in Ukraine on September 12. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident occurred away from the front lines.

Commissioned from Sandhurst in 2012, Major Wilks had served on multiple tours, including deployments to Afghanistan. He was a recipient of two Operational Service Medals and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, which he received in May.

Lieutenant General Matthew Jones, Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Corps, described Wilks as ‘one of the most talented intelligence officers of his generation.’ Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also paid tribute, stating that the loss serves as a ‘poignant reminder of the enormous sacrifice’ made by the Armed Forces and their families. A small number of British personnel are currently in Ukraine to provide security for diplomats and support the country’s armed forces.