The member of the UK armed forces who died in a road traffic accident in Ukraine last week has been named as Major Paul Wilks.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) described the 40-year-old as a “gifted leader who earned the admiration and respect of all those fortunate enough to have served alongside him”.

The incident on Saturday was not the result of hostile action, the BBC understands, with the MoD stating that the accident happened “away from the front lines”.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Major Wilks served this country with pride and dedication. His loss will be deeply felt by those around him.”

He said: “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.”

Major Wilks, described by the MoD as a “proud family man”, is survived by his wife and two sons.

He joined the Intelligence Corps in 2012 and was deployed on multiple operational tours, including to Afghanistan.

Major Wilks was the recipient of two operational service medals and a long service and good conduct medal.

His commanding officer praised Major Wilks as “a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with”.

They added: “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.

“It is 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.”