British Defense Minister John Healey has indicated that the UK might deploy troops to Ukraine for training purposes. During a visit to Ukraine, Healey told The Times that the UK aims to enhance its training efforts for Ukrainian forces and did not rule out the possibility of sending trainers directly to Ukraine.
“We [need to] make it easier for the Ukrainians to access and we [need to] work with the Ukrainians to help them motivate and mobilize more recruits,” Healey said.
When asked about the prospect of deploying troops to Ukraine, Healey responded, “We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting.”
Russia has repeatedly warned Western nations against sending troops to Ukraine for training, stating that any NATO personnel would be considered legitimate targets by the Russian military.
According to The Times, which accompanied Healey on his trip, the defense minister appears to advocate for increased support at a time when other European leaders are urging caution. On his way to Kyiv, Healey remarked, “This is one of the most critical periods of the war. The year may be ending, but the war is not. This is the time to step up further in Ukraine on every front.”
Though leaks have revealed that British soldiers have been operating in Ukraine throughout the conflict, these deployments have been unofficial and covert. Earlier this year, a German military leak disclosed that British troops were in Ukraine assisting with the use of Storm Shadow missiles, which have recently been used to strike targets inside Russia, signaling a significant escalation.
Additionally, the Discord leaks revealed that as of March 2023, 97 NATO special operations personnel, including 50 British soldiers, were in Ukraine. In April 2022, The Times reported that British Special Air Service troops were in Ukraine training forces on anti-tank weapons.
Britain is considering sending troops to Ukraine for training purposes.
— Daniel Wittenberg (@DannyWittenberg) December 18, 2024
Talking to us in Kyiv today, the defence secretary John Healey said he would do everything possible for Ukraine but keep the details of his plans "unavailable" to President Putin. pic.twitter.com/yqf5xVomib
During his visit to Kyiv, Healey emphasized his commitment to supporting Ukraine while keeping specific plans confidential, stating that details would remain “unavailable” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
