The British military contingent being considered for deployment to Ukraine will focus solely on providing training to Ukrainian forces, not participating in combat operations, Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed.
In a letter seen by The Telegraph, Mr Healey outlined that the aim of the UK deployment would be to help rebuild and modernise Ukraine’s armed forces, enhancing their capacity to deter future Russian aggression. The letter was sent in response to concerns raised by James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, about the legal risks British troops could face under human rights laws if deployed in an active conflict zone.
Despite calls for a temporary derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to protect service personnel from potential "lawfare" tactics by Russia, Mr Healey dismissed the need for such measures. He insisted that adherence to international law would not hinder the UK’s objectives and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its armed forces.
The Defence Secretary’s remarks also signalled a scaling back of earlier ambitions for the "coalition of the willing" effort. While Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had initially described the deployment as a deterrent force with "troops on the ground and planes in the sky", current plans focus on stationing British personnel in western Ukraine, far from the frontlines. Their primary role will be training, with the RAF and Royal Navy expected to provide support in protecting Ukrainian airspace and territorial waters.
Mr Healey emphasised that while US support remains vital, European nations, led by the UK and France, must take greater responsibility for regional security. Updates on the coalition’s progress are being provided to the White House as part of broader efforts to support a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine.
Despite reassurances, Mr Cartlidge expressed disappointment over the decision not to seek a derogation from the ECHR, warning that even a non-combat mission could expose troops to legal vulnerabilities.
By Vugar Khalilov
Source: caliber.az
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