Stephen Dixon has expressed strong concerns over the potential deployment of British troops to Ukraine for training purposes, calling the proposal “hugely disturbing”.
His comments come as Defence Secretary John Healey suggested British troops could be sent to Ukraine to help train the country’s soldiers.
Stephen Dixon told GB News viewers: “I find this hugely disturbing.
“You have that issue of being dragged into conflict, but also you have our boys and girls putting their lives on the line for something which may be heading towards some sort of de-escalation anyway.
Stephen Dixon branded it “deeply disturbing”
GB News
“If we knowingly have boots on the ground, either in training roles or anything else, they’re a target.”
He added: “If a single British soldier loses their life, I think this is not worth it.”
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During a visit to Kyiv, Healey said Britain needs to “make the training a better fit for what the Ukrainians need”.
The Defence Secretary told The Times: “We [need to] make it easier for the Ukrainians to access and we [need to] work with the Ukrainians to help them motivate and mobilise more recruits.”
When asked specifically about extending training from the UK to Ukraine itself, Healey responded: “We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting.”
There is already a small number of British medical personnel in Ukraine, delivering training and mentoring to the country’s armed forces.
The army may be sent to Ukraine
British Army
The UK has trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, though Healey noted in October that getting personnel to the UK for training was the “biggest constraint”.
The Defence Secretary announced a new £225million support package for Ukraine during his Kyiv visit.
The package includes £186million for military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine.
Of this, £92million is earmarked for Ukraine’s navy and £68million for air defence equipment.
The Defence Secretary announced a new £225 million support package for Ukraine during his Kyiv visit.
Getty
An additional £39million will go towards counter-drone systems and protective equipment for Ukraine’s armed forces.
Announcing the funding, Healey said: “Nearly three years after Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit.”
He emphasised that Ukraine “cannot go it alone”, pledging that the UK will “step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025.”
Speaking to LBC, Healey described this as a “critical period for Ukraine”.
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