
Thu Dec 19 13:35:56 UTC 2024: ## UK Considers Sending Troops to Train Ukrainian Forces
**London, December 19, 2024** – Amidst growing pressure to bolster Ukraine’s position ahead of potential negotiations with Russia, UK Defence Secretary John Healey has hinted at the possibility of deploying British troops to train Ukrainian soldiers within Ukraine. Currently, the UK only has a medical team in the country and has been conducting training on British soil since 2022.
Healey stated that the UK would need to adapt its training approach to better meet Ukraine’s specific needs. His comments, reported by The Times, came during a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday. This potential deployment follows a phone call between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President-elect Donald Trump, where Starmer emphasized the need for allied support to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.
This move is noteworthy given that Western nations have thus far avoided directly sending troops to Ukraine to avoid escalating the conflict with Russia. The suggestion comes as several European countries and NATO are actively working to strengthen Ukraine before any potential peace talks with Moscow. This contrasts with President-elect Trump’s previous calls for an immediate ceasefire and his expressed concerns about continued US support for Ukraine. The situation remains highly volatile as the conflict continues.