The British Ministry of Defence is reportedly mulling over the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine in order to provide training to its armed forces. The country’s defence secretary, John Healey, has been in Kyiv, where he has held talks about providing greater support to the country in 2021. Although Healey did not reveal details of his plans, defence sources have confirmed that sending UK troops to Ukraine is being considered under the proposals.
At present, British troops have been training Ukrainian forces in the UK. However, there is also a small team of UK Army medics offering training in Ukraine itself. Some defence sources have suggested that British troops could be sent to the country to help in its fight against Russia-backed separatists.
Other support could include further military equipment such as drones, artillery shells and air defences. Speaking about his proposals, Healey said that he was looking at ways to strengthen Ukraine, which would involve more training and further weapons. He added that he was also in favour of increasing sanctions on Russia.
Healey declined to discuss specifics of the proposals, arguing that they would have to remain hidden from Russian president Vladimir Putin. Underlying support for Ukraine are worries about the potential for a renewed military offensive by Russia. US president-elect, Donald Trump, has previously promised to try to negotiate an end to the conflict.
The proposals will be discussed at an upcoming meeting in Brussels which will be attended by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and representatives from EU countries and NATO. Lammy confirmed that the discussion would “focus on what further support was needed to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position as we head into and through 2025.” Some EU and NATO members, including the UK, have so far resisted the idea of sending troops to Ukraine, partly out of a fear of being drawn into a wider conflict with Russia. However, individual members have provided weaponry and other equipment to the country
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