UK Ready to Send Troops to Ukraine to Enforce Ceasefire, Says UK Defence Secretary

The United Kingdom is prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine to help enforce a ceasefire agreement if Russia halts its invasion, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed in remarks to Times Radio, as reported by Express.

The statement comes ahead of a high-level summit today involving Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and leaders from countries forming a new “Coalition of the Willing”—a group dedicated to preserving peace in Ukraine through collective military and diplomatic support.

Troops to Support Peace Implementation

When asked directly if the plan includes the possibility of sending British forces into Ukraine, Mr Healey responded: “Yes. The prime minister has always been clear that he’s ready to put troops into Ukraine to help reinforce a ceasefire.”

Although there had been earlier reports suggesting the UK had walked back from the proposal due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s hesitation to support the mission, the Defence Secretary’s comments confirm that the plan remains active.

Franco-British Military Pact Strengthened

President Macron is currently in the UK on a state visit. The Franco-British summit, held at Downing Street, will be the 37th of its kind and the first between the UK and a European ally since Brexit. It signals a significant step in resetting defence and security relations post-EU exit.

According to Mr Healey, the summit will unveil joint initiatives on nuclear deterrence, military research, operational exercises, and strategic coordination in response to growing threats in Europe. One of the key deliverables is the creation of a 50,000-strong rapid reaction force to protect the continent in times of crisis.

Missile Orders and Defence Technology Boost

In a related announcement, the UK and France will place additional joint orders for Storm Shadow missiles, used extensively by Ukraine in its defense efforts. The move is part of an expanded defence pact to modernize and eventually replace the missile system.

This deepening military partnership signals a firm commitment by both nations to European security, despite shifts in the geopolitical stance of the United States under the Trump administration.

(With inputs from Express)