The British government could deploy troops to Ukraine, supposedly to train local soldiers, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. “The UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025,” he said, adding: “We will enhance our offer of training to Ukraine and provide battle-winning capabilities.”
In comments made during his visit to the war-torn country, Healey emphasized the need for training to align more closely with Ukrainian needs. This move forms part of a broader five-point strategy outlined by Healey to enhance British support for Ukraine.
As part of this initiative, the British government announced on Thursday an additional $282.3 million in military aid to Ukraine. This package includes $115.4 million for the Ukrainian navy, covering small boats and drones, and $85.3 million for air defense mechanisms such as radars and counter-drone warfare systems.
British forces have trained over 51,000 Ukrainian recruits so far. While Foreign Secretary David Lammy had previously stated there would be no commitment of British ground troops in Ukraine, when asked about a deployment this week, he was equivocal, stating, “It is strength that Vladimir Putin will respond to… The truth is Putin is not a man you can negotiate with.”
Britain has been adamant about escalating its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict since the election of President-elect Donald J. Trump, for instance, by permitting Ukraine to launch British-supplied Storm Shadow long-range missiles into Russia. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the permission despite President Putin stating such actions would be considered an act of war.
Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, has warned against other members sending troops to Ukraine, even as peacekeepers. He estimates as many as 150,000 troops would be needed. Currently, the British Army boasts fewer than 20,000 infantrymen, leaving it ill-equipped to fight a conventional land war with any major power.
