Brit intelligence officer, 40, killed in crash in Ukraine as heartbreaking tributes paid to ‘exceptional leader’

THE UK soldier who died in Ukraine this weekend has been named by the Ministry of Defence as an intelligence officer. Tributes flooded in to Major Paul Wilks, 40, who was described as “an exceptional leader who was undoubtedly one of the most talented intelligence officers of his generation”. Major Paul Wilks, 40, died in Ukraine on Saturday The Ministry of Defence described Major Wilks as an ‘exceptionally bright and professional officer’ Credit: Alamy He died in a road traffic accident on Saturday, with the death not a result of hostile action. Major Paul Wilks was commissioned from Sandhurst in 2012, joining the Intelligence Corps where he remained throughout his career. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! His service was recognised with two Operational Service Medals, as well as receiving the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal this May. Major Wilks was deployed on several tours in the course of his career, including to Afghanistan. His commanding officer said Major Wilks was “was a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with”. He is survived by his wife and two sons. They added: “Even in high-pressure environments, Paul maintained a sharp sense of humour and a genuine warmth that connected him to everyone in this unit. “He was a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with. Most read in The Sun “He spoke often of his love for his wife and two sons, expressing his deep gratitude for the support they provided, which allowed him to serve with such distinction.” Major Wilks’ commanding officer said it was “in the course of his devotion to duty that he made the ultimate sacrifice”. Chief of Defence Intelligence and Colonel Commandant Intelligence Corps Lieutenant General Matthew Jones said the unit is “heartbroken”. He added: “Paul was an exceptional leader who was undoubtedly one of the most talented intelligence officers of his generation.” “Paul was committed to operational excellence in everything he did. With a selfless and compassionate approach, his primary concern was always his team. “He was supremely motivated by developing those around him. Paul possessed a razor-sharp intellect and a steely determination to succeed.” Defence Secretary Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP said: “Major Wilks served this country with pride and dedication. His loss will be deeply felt by those around him.” “The tributes paid by those who worked with Paul illustrate his exceptional talent and ability, underscored by genuine warmth, compassion and a desire to support others.” “His loss is a poignant reminder of the enormous sacrifice that our Armed Forces and their families make in the service of our country.” The Ministry of Defence described Major Wilks as an “exceptionally bright and professional officer who embodied the best of the UK military”. It said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Major Paul Wilks, who died in Ukraine on 12 September 2026. “Major Paul Wilks died in a tragic road traffic incident, away from the front lines. He was 40 years old.” A Defence source insisted the government had “previously acknowledged” the presence of British troops in Ukraine. Most of the UK troops in Ukraine left after Putin’s full scale invasion in 2022. But some remained to protect the embassy and others help Ukraine’s Armed Forces. It comes nine months after paratrooper Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, was killed in “tragic accident” away from the frontlines. The elite special forces soldier was mortally wounded in December while observing Ukrainian forces test a new air defence weapon. He died from his wounds four days later. 1 comment1