UK Foreign Secretary: British soldiers fighting against Russia ‘very unlikely’
- Liz Truss said Britain has been offering support to Ukraine through intelligence, cyber support and defensive weapons but confirmed combat would not happen
- Her comments echoed those of Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, who said Nato has ‘no plans’ to deploy combat troops to Ukraine
The British Foreign Secretary has said a situation in which British soldiers would fight alongside Ukrainians against Russia is “very unlikely.”
Liz Truss described how Britain has been offering support to Ukraine through intelligence, cyber support and defensive weapons but confirmed combat would not happen.
Her comments echoed those of Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, who said Nato has “no plans” to deploy combat troops to Ukraine.
It comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is looking at doubling the number of troops deployed to strengthen Europe’s borders.
Downing Street said it could send defensive weapons to Estonia while fast jets, warships and military specialists may be sent to protect Nato allies.
The offer will be finalised by British officials and Nato in Brussels next week, while ministers will discuss the military options on Monday.
Truss was asked on the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme if she could rule out a scenario with British soldiers “on the ground.”
She said: “That’s very unlikely … and the Defence Secretary has been clear about that.”
