UK Considers Deploying Troops Locally for Ukraine Military Training

John Healey, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, is reportedly considering deploying British troops to Ukraine to train the Ukrainian military, according to the British BBC and other media on the 19th (local time).

Currently, the UK is training Ukrainian forces in the UK. Additionally, a small team of British military medics is conducting training inside Ukraine.

John Healey, UK Secretary of State for Defence. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The UK and other NATO member countries have indirectly supported the war by supplying weapons and equipment instead of deploying troops directly to Ukraine, fearing direct confrontation with Russia.

However, according to a Ministry of Defence source, the BBC reported that the UK is considering sending troops to Ukraine to assist in training the Ukrainian military.

While visiting Kyiv, Ukraine, Secretary Healey said in an interview with The Times that "training for the Ukrainian military must be tailored to the needs of the Ukrainian people." When asked if this meant conducting the training currently held in the UK inside Ukraine, he responded, "We will look at anything that can respond to what Ukraine wants."

The Times interpreted this as a possible deployment of British troops to Ukraine for training purposes.

However, Secretary Healey told the BBC that "the details of support for Ukraine must remain unknown to Russian President Vladimir Putin," and did not disclose specific support measures for Ukraine.

Donald Trump, the US President-elect who will take office on January 20 next year, is urging a ceasefire negotiation between Russia and Ukraine. Healey said he is waiting for Trump’s plans but stated that his mission is to support Ukraine in every possible way while the war continues. He also said, "This is one of the most critical times in the war," adding, "The year may be ending, but the war is not."

Healey announced plans to provide new military aid worth ?225 million (approximately 413 billion KRW) to Ukraine next year, including drones, shells, and air defense systems.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.