The United Kingdom is preparing for a possible dramatic shift in its military engagement with Ukraine, as Defence Secretary John Healey announced plans to spend well over £100 million on the potential deployment of British troops—should a peace deal between the United States and Russia materialize. The announcement, made on October 20, 2025, at London’s historic Mansion House, underscores a rapidly evolving security landscape in Europe and the UK’s determination to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future.
Healey’s remarks came as diplomatic maneuvering reached a fever pitch. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are reportedly set to meet in Budapest, Hungary, in the coming weeks to discuss a possible ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, notably, has not been invited to these high-stakes talks but has voiced his readiness to participate. The prospect of a ceasefire has prompted the UK and its European partners to accelerate their contingency planning, with British troops poised for deployment at a moment’s notice if an agreement is brokered.
“If President Trump can broker a peace, then we will be ready to help secure that peace,” Healey declared, according to the BBC. He emphasized that while the UK stands ready to support, “Ukrainians must be the people who will decide how and what is negotiated in any peace talks.” This careful positioning reflects both the urgency and the diplomatic sensitivity of the situation, as European leaders strive to balance support for Ukraine’s sovereignty with the realities of international power dynamics.
The backbone of the UK’s strategy is the formation of a “Multinational Force Ukraine,” a concept developed over the past six months in collaboration with France and more than 30 other countries. This force, as outlined by Healey, would help secure Ukraine’s airspace and maritime borders, protect its frontiers, and provide vital training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces—provided Russia agrees to end its full-scale war. Over 200 military planners from 38-plus nations have been involved in preparing detailed plans for such a deployment, ensuring that forces could be mobilized quickly if the diplomatic stars align.
Some of the anticipated funding for this mission is already being spent, with millions of pounds allocated to accelerate readiness levels and logistical preparations. When pressed on the financial commitment, Healey stated the figure would be “well over” £100 million, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the UK’s intent. According to Sky News, this sum is in addition to the record £4.5 billion in assistance the UK has provided to Ukraine in 2025, which includes both military aid and humanitarian support. The UK has also taken over from the United States as co-chair of a broader coalition of nations providing weapons and funding to Kyiv—a testament to Britain’s growing leadership role in the region.
Healey’s speech did not shy away from the risks and challenges ahead. He warned of a “new era of threat,” stating, “The world is more unstable, more uncertain, more dangerous. Not since the end of the Second World War has Europe’s security been at such risk of state-on-state conflict.” This stark assessment is echoed by many European leaders, who have watched with alarm as Russia’s aggression grows both within Ukraine and beyond its borders. According to RBC Ukraine, the UK is not alone in its preparations; the “coalition of the willing,” an alliance of 26 European nations founded in March 2025 by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been developing detailed plans for months, ensuring a coordinated and robust response if peace talks gain traction.
One of the more sobering elements of Healey’s lecture was his acknowledgment that Vladimir Putin views Britain as his “number one enemy” due to the country’s unwavering support for Ukraine. “This is why President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy calls the UK his closest ally,” Healey said. “This is why Putin ranks Britain as his number one enemy.” The UK’s prominent role has not gone unnoticed in Moscow, and the risks for British forces—should they be deployed—are significant.
In addition to military preparations in Eastern Europe, Healey announced new domestic security measures. British soldiers will soon be granted expanded powers to shoot down drones threatening military bases, following a string of mysterious drone sightings at UK airbases used by US forces. These new “kinetic options” will initially apply to military sites but could be extended to civilian locations such as airports, a move prompted by recent drone disruptions across European airspace.
Healey’s vision for the future of British defense is ambitious. He outlined plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035—a target that has drawn both praise and skepticism. Critics question whether the headline figure will translate into tangible increases in weapons and troop numbers, or if it represents more political posturing than practical investment. Nevertheless, Healey insists that this “new era for defense” is essential, describing it as “an age for hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy.”
The UK’s involvement is part of a broader European effort to provide security guarantees for post-war Ukraine. In September, President Zelenskyy announced that European leaders had agreed to deploy troops in Ukraine, with an understanding of the approximate numbers required. “It’s good that we’re discussing security guarantees, the US is not opposed. The European part is almost ready, nearly on paper, covering what European partners can provide,” Zelenskyy stated, according to RBC Ukraine. However, he also stressed the need for US security guarantees, warning that Russia could violate any peace agreements reached without strong international backing.
European leaders have expressed a range of views on the unfolding situation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that “appeasement never was a road to a just and lasting peace,” while Finnish President Alexander Stubb insisted that only Ukrainians have the right to decide the fate of their territory. “The only ones who can decide on the land issue are the Ukrainians themselves,” Stubb told the BBC, adding that Finland would never recognize Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk as Russian.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire. Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, causing widespread power cuts and further straining the country’s resilience. According to Healey, Russia has suffered over a million casualties and is devoting 40% of its government spending to the military, but its offensive shows no signs of abating.
As the world watches and waits for the outcome of the Trump-Putin summit, the UK’s readiness to commit substantial resources and military personnel signals a new chapter in European security. The stakes could hardly be higher, and the coming weeks may well determine the future of Ukraine—and the balance of power on the continent—for years to come.
