The United Kingdom is prepared to spend “over” £100 million for a potential deployment of British forces to Ukraine, should Donald Trump secure a peace agreement with Russia. This was announced by British Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey.
The UK’s Contingency Plan
The plan involves preparing military personnel to join a multinational force that would be sent to help secure Ukraine’s borders if the US President brokers a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv. Healey signaled that British troops could be ready for deployment as soon as a deal is struck, potentially including soldiers on the ground.
The Secretary warned of a “new era of threat,” stating that the risk of a broader conflict in Europe is the highest it has been since the end of World War II.
The Multinational Force for Ukraine
Healey spoke at Mansion House in London about efforts led by the UK and France to build a “coalition of the willing” comprising more than 30 nations. This coalition aims to form a “Multinational Force in Ukraine” to help secure Ukraine’s air and sea spaces and train its troops, provided Russia agrees to halt its full-scale war.
He stated: “So, while President Trump leads the peace effort here in Europe, we are ready to lead the work to secure it in the long term.” He confirmed he is already reviewing readiness levels and accelerating millions of pounds of funding to prepare for any potential deployment in Ukraine, estimating the cost to be “much more than” £100 million. Healey also claimed that Vladimir Putin views Britain as his “number one enemy” due to its unwavering support for Ukraine.
