Labour to spend £200m preparing British troops for Ukraine

The UK will allocate £200 million to prepare British troops for possible deployment to Ukraine if a ceasefire occurs, Defence Secretary John Healey said after visiting Kyiv.

Labour is allocating £200 million to prepare British forces for possible deployment to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, Defence Secretary John Healey announced after a one-day visit to Kyiv. The funding is intended to cover upgrades to vehicles and communications, counter-drone protection and other equipment so troops would be ready to deploy. Healey discussed plans for a Multinational Force Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky during the visit. The announcement follows recent allied discussions about a coalition or reassurance force for Ukraine. Key facts: - The UK will allocate £200 million to prepare British troops for possible deployment to Ukraine if a ceasefire occurs, the Defence Secretary said. - The money is earmarked for vehicle and communications upgrades, counter-drone protection and other equipment to ready forces for deployment. - John Healey announced the funding after talks in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelensky. - Plans discussed involve a Multinational Force Ukraine; the overall force size and the number of UK personnel expected to deploy have not been disclosed. - Healey also said production of Octopus counter-drone systems will begin this month, aimed at intercepting drones used against civilian targets. Summary: The funding is presented as preparation so British forces could lead or join a Multinational Force Ukraine if a ceasefire permits deployment. Key details on force size, exact personnel commitments and timing have not been released. Undetermined at this time.