The UK is considering sending troops to Ukraine to provide direct military training, British Defense Secretary John Healey suggested, as he announced an additional £225 million worth of weapons and military gear for Ukraine.
During a visit to Kyiv, Healey emphasized the need for military training that is better aligned with Ukraine’s specific needs. He highlighted the importance of making training more accessible so Ukraine can quickly mobilize and motivate additional recruits. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have already been trained in the UK under “Operation Interflex.”
“We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting,” Healey told The Times. His comments come as Western allies, including the UK, prepare for the next phase of support before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.
The new British military aid includes £186 million in arms, such as loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones, alongside £39 million in anti-drone systems and protective gear for Ukrainian forces. The UK has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing advanced weapons like Storm Shadow missiles and advocating for U.S. weapons to be used against deep Russian targets.
The funds will be managed through the UK’s International Fund for Ukraine, which pools contributions from several European nations, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. Additionally, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the importance of unity among Western allies in a call with Trump, stressing the need to ensure Ukraine is in the “strongest possible position.”
