Russia warns Britain over sending soldiers to Ukraine
Russia has issued a stern warning that the deployment of British troops to Ukraine would prolong the conflict rather than end it.
The statement from Moscow came after both France and England stated that they intended to send forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia was reached.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova directly addressed Defense Minister John Healey’s recent comments.
Mr Healey wrote in a newspaper article: “I want to be the Defense Secretary who sends British troops to Ukraine because it will mean that this war is finally over.
“This will mean that we are negotiating peace in Ukraine. A secure Europe needs a strong, sovereign Ukraine.”
Responding, Ms Zakharova told reporters: “Contrary to Healey’s misconception, the deployment of British troops in Ukraine will not mean the end of the war, but rather a prolongation of the conflict and an increased risk of a large-scale military conflict involving many more states.”
He reiterated his long-standing warning that Russia would consider any foreign military on Ukrainian territory a legitimate target.
The Defense Secretary has previously announced that the UK will spend £200 million to prepare British troops for deployment to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
John Healey, who discussed plans for the Ukrainian Multinational Force with President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the money would be used for upgrades to vehicles and communications systems, counter-drone protection and other equipment to ensure troops are ready for deployment.
Speaking on the fourth anniversary of the war, Mr Healey said the war had been “four years of failure for Putin”.
He said: “This is a war he thought he would win in a week, during which he lost over a million men, and Russia has been fighting in Ukraine longer than the Soviet Union was fighting Germany during the Second World War.”
Mr Healey added: “I want to make 2026 the year this war ends, the year we can bring peace, as President Zelensky did.
“The United Kingdom stands ready to play a role in securing that peace for the long term.”
