Defence Secretary wants to send troops to Ukraine

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has said he wants to become the first British defence chief to deploy troops to Ukraine — arguing it would signal that the war with Russia is finally over.

With the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s invasion approaching, Healey wrote that 2026 must be the year the conflict ends.

He outlined that the deployment of British troops would only be justified once a comprehensive peace agreement is in place, active hostilities have ceased, Ukraine’s territorial integrity is recognised, and the Ukrainian government has welcomed international security support. This highlights the UK’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, aiming to reassure the audience of ongoing support and shared goals.

This end-state, he argued, would signal that the war is truly over and Europe’s stability is restored.

Writing for the Telegraph, Healey wrote: “I want to be the Defence Secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine — because this will mean that this war is finally over.”

He added that such a move would follow a negotiated peace settlement and help secure Europe.

“A secure Europe needs a strong, sovereign Ukraine.”

Healey stressed that committing armed forces to operations is the most serious responsibility facing any government.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has gone further, urging the UK and allies to deploy non-combat troops immediately, such as training or logistical support, rather than waiting for a ceasefire, to help Ukraine without direct fighting.

He told the BBC there was “no logical reason” not to send non-fighting forces now, instead of allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to dictate the timing through negotiations.

Johnson argued that failure to respond decisively after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 had proved “tragic”.

Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Johnson suggested the West could ‘flip a switch’ in Putin’s thinking by demonstrating military commitment, emphasising the significance of timely action for global stability.

He said the UK and its allies were working within a ‘coalition of the willing’ framework, but argued deployment should not be delayed until after a peace agreement, inviting readers to consider their role in shaping future decisions.

Johnson used strong language to challenge the position of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.  He said: “If we can have boots on the ground after the war… why not do it now?

“There is no logical reason I can see why we shouldn’t send peaceful ground forces there to show our support.”

Britain and France have led talks to form the “Coalition of the Willing” to deploy peacekeeping forces if a settlement is reached, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in supporting Ukraine’s security.

Earlier this month, Healey co-chaired meetings in Brussels with the 50-nation Ukraine Defence Contact Group and NATO defence ministers.

Allies pledged around £25 billion in additional military support during those discussions.

Healey said: “We are stepping up military aid, and we will step up pressure on Putin further, both through fresh sanctions and new action on the Russian shadow fleet.”

A spokesman for the UK Ministry of Defence said the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence while working toward long-term security arrangements.

The Prime Minister has previously said any deployment of British troops would require a vote in the House of Commons, ensuring parliamentary oversight and public accountability for such decisions.