John Healey expressed his ambition to become the initial Defence Secretary to deploy British troops to Ukraine as the prolonged conflict reaches its fifth year.
Despite recent overnight strikes by Russia’s Putin targeting Ukraine and Kyiv with missiles and drones, resulting in casualties, the Defence Secretary emphasized that 2026 should mark the end of this devastating war.
Addressing the approaching fourth anniversary of Russia’s significant invasion, Mr. Healey underlined his determination to lead British troops into Ukraine, signaling the war’s conclusion and a negotiated peace in the region for a secure Europe.
In a piece for the Sunday Telegraph, Mr. Healey acknowledged the immense responsibility of committing the Armed Forces to operations and highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people against the actions of the Russian leader Putin.
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron previously proposed a potential “coalition of the willing” to support any peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, potentially involving a peacekeeping presence in Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary’s remarks followed former PM Boris Johnson’s suggestion that allied nations should deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately as a show of solidarity with Kyiv’s sovereignty.
During an appearance with former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Mr. Johnson argued for the deployment of non-fighting personnel in Ukraine without delay, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty in the present situation.
Responding to these discussions, Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson cautioned that there are currently no safe zones in Ukraine, emphasizing the need to wait for a lasting peace before committing British troops to the region.
She also stressed the bipartisan agreement to stand with Ukraine and its government, highlighting the ongoing support from various political parties in the UK.
Ms. Phillipson expressed hope that once a peace deal is reached, the UK, France, and other willing partners will play their part in supporting Ukraine, underscoring the urgent need to end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
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