Allied troops are ‘ready to go from day one’ if Ukraine ceasefire is reached, says defence secretary
Defence secretary says Ukraine summit may be ‘first step’ to peace
- Defence Secretary John Healey says that British and allied troops are "ready to act from day one" in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
- The remarks come ahead of crucial talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
- Mr Healey dismissed suggestions that the UK's approach to the Ukraine war is to "watch and wait", saying that Britain's role is to lead military aid and intensive diplomacy.
- Russian and American delegations have arrived in Alaska for the summit, which will include a one-on-one meeting, a bilateral lunch, and a press conference.
- Despite concerns about Kyiv being excluded from the talks, the defence secretary views the summit as a possible "first step towards serious negotiations" for peace.