U.K. could train soldiers in Ukraine : U.K. Defence Secretary

Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey visits St Sophia Cathedral during a visit to Kyiv on December 18, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
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The U.K. could potentially deploy troops to Ukraine for training assistance, according to U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey. Currently, the U.K. has a team of medical personnel stationed in Ukraine and has been providing training to Ukrainian troops in Britain since 2022. This proposed deployment comes as European nations aim to bolster Ukraine’s position before engaging in negotiations to resolve the conflict with Russia.

Mr. Healey emphasized the importance of tailoring the training program to meet Ukraine’s specific needs, stating this during his journey to Kyiv on December 18, 2024, as reported by The Times.

“We will explore all possible avenues to meet the requirements of the Ukrainians, as they are the ones on the frontlines,” he remarked in response to questions about potentially having British troops train Ukrainians in Ukraine, according to The Times.

While Western nations have offered financial, military, and intelligence support to Ukraine, they have refrained from sending troops to avoid direct involvement in the conflict with Russia, which commenced in February 2022.

Mr. Healey’s statements coincided with a conversation between U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Downing Street conveyed that Mr. Starmer emphasized the importance of solidarity among allies to back Ukraine and ensure its strength, during the call.

Several European countries and the NATO Secretary General are working to fortify Kyiv before potential negotiations with Moscow.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed this sentiment during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders in Brussels on December 18, 2024. These discussions took place ahead of a European Union summit meeting with Mr. Zelenskyy scheduled for December 19, 2024.

Mr. Trump has indicated the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO and reducing aid to Ukraine. Following a meeting with Mr. Zelenskyy in Paris on December 8, the President-elect called for an immediate ceasefire.