Amid the Trump-Putin summit, the UK says it is 'ready' to send troops to Ukraine following a possible ceasefire.
Defense Minister John Healey states that British troops could operate in the country to ensure security and reinforce Ukrainian forces.
247 - The UK Defence Minister, John Healey, stated that the country is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine should Russia agree to a ceasefire following the Alaska summit. The statements were made to... BBC News, hours before the meeting between the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
According to Healey, the British military presence would have two main objectives. "We are ready to put UK troops on Ukrainian soil, partly to reassure Ukrainians," he stated. "But also partly to guarantee safe skies, safe seas, and to strengthen Ukrainian forces," he added.
The minister's statement comes after the United Kingdom, France and Germany announced on Wednesday (13) their willingness to play an "active role" in Ukraine's security as soon as hostilities come to an end.
Healey also expressed his expectation that the meeting between Trump and Putin could represent a diplomatic breakthrough. "I hope the summit in Alaska will be the first step towards serious negotiations," he said. "Today is a day when all eyes are on Putin. Is he serious about what he says?" he questioned.
