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UK Defence Secretary Signals Intent to Deploy British Troops to Ukraine
John Healey asserts that British military presence in Ukraine would mark the end of Russia’s war and secure a durable peace
The United Kingdom’s Defence Secretary, John Healey, has publicly stated that he wants to deploy British troops to Ukraine, a move he says would symbolise the conclusion of Russia’s full-scale invasion and help solidify long-term peace in Europe.
Healey’s remarks, made in a weekend national newspaper column and amplified in political circles in London, underscore a shift in British defence thinking as Kyiv approaches the fourth anniversary of the conflict with Moscow.
He wrote that committing troops would mean the war was “finally over” and that a secure Europe requires a strong, sovereign Ukraine.
Healey’s position aligns with broader plans under discussion among European allies to form a so-called “coalition of the willing” — a multinational security force intended to support Ukraine once hostilities cease.
The British government has already allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to join such a mission, investing in vehicles, communications systems and counter-drone equipment to ensure readiness.
This funding forms part of UK commitments to the Multinational Force for Ukraine, a framework agreed alongside France and Ukraine that would deploy troops on the ground in the event of a peace agreement.
British troops are expected to establish secure “military hubs” across Ukraine, support the regeneration of Ukrainian defence capabilities, and contribute to broader deterrence and stability efforts.
The plans include ensuring forces can defend themselves if attacked and operate robustly in a post-ceasefire environment.
Critics of the idea have argued that deploying Western troops to Ukraine remains sensitive and could elevate geopolitical tensions with Russia, which has previously warned that any foreign forces in Ukraine would be legitimate targets.
Nevertheless, Healey and other senior officials have framed the UK’s prospective deployment as a necessary reassurance to Ukraine and its allies that peace will be upheld and that European security will be strengthened after the war’s end.
Preparations for the potential deployment reflect the UK’s leadership in backing Kyiv and contributing to a multinational security effort alongside its partners, including France, with further discussions ongoing among allied capitals about the force’s composition and mandate.
The debate over whether British troops should be deployed comes amid wider discussions in Westminster about defence spending, NATO commitments and the UK’s role in European security.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government has pushed for deeper cooperation with European partners and is seeking to enhance defence capabilities, with parliamentary approval required before any troops are actually sent overseas.
Healey’s public advocacy of deployment reinforces London’s strategic intent to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and help secure a lasting peace on the continent.
Healey’s remarks, made in a weekend national newspaper column and amplified in political circles in London, underscore a shift in British defence thinking as Kyiv approaches the fourth anniversary of the conflict with Moscow.
He wrote that committing troops would mean the war was “finally over” and that a secure Europe requires a strong, sovereign Ukraine.
Healey’s position aligns with broader plans under discussion among European allies to form a so-called “coalition of the willing” — a multinational security force intended to support Ukraine once hostilities cease.
The British government has already allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to join such a mission, investing in vehicles, communications systems and counter-drone equipment to ensure readiness.
This funding forms part of UK commitments to the Multinational Force for Ukraine, a framework agreed alongside France and Ukraine that would deploy troops on the ground in the event of a peace agreement.
British troops are expected to establish secure “military hubs” across Ukraine, support the regeneration of Ukrainian defence capabilities, and contribute to broader deterrence and stability efforts.
The plans include ensuring forces can defend themselves if attacked and operate robustly in a post-ceasefire environment.
Critics of the idea have argued that deploying Western troops to Ukraine remains sensitive and could elevate geopolitical tensions with Russia, which has previously warned that any foreign forces in Ukraine would be legitimate targets.
Nevertheless, Healey and other senior officials have framed the UK’s prospective deployment as a necessary reassurance to Ukraine and its allies that peace will be upheld and that European security will be strengthened after the war’s end.
Preparations for the potential deployment reflect the UK’s leadership in backing Kyiv and contributing to a multinational security effort alongside its partners, including France, with further discussions ongoing among allied capitals about the force’s composition and mandate.
The debate over whether British troops should be deployed comes amid wider discussions in Westminster about defence spending, NATO commitments and the UK’s role in European security.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government has pushed for deeper cooperation with European partners and is seeking to enhance defence capabilities, with parliamentary approval required before any troops are actually sent overseas.
Healey’s public advocacy of deployment reinforces London’s strategic intent to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and help secure a lasting peace on the continent.
