The United Kingdom is ready to support a ceasefire in Ukraine with troops and sanctions — John Healey

The head of the British Ministry of Defence said that Britain is ready to deploy troops to Ukraine to reinforce a ceasefire if it is achieved. At the same time, he noted that the United Kingdom government is prepared to "intensify economic sanctions and pressure on Putin if today in Alaska he shows that he is not truly serious."

Healey also denied claims that Britain’s role is to "observe and wait."

"No, Britain’s role is to support Ukraine on the battlefield and in negotiations, and to prepare, as we have done so far, leading thirty other countries in military planning for a ceasefire and securing peace through what we call the Coalition of the Willing," the minister said.

He revealed that over 200 military planners from the Coalition have been working over the past few months, "developing a detailed ceasefire plan." Multinational forces are "ready to act from day one," and military plans are prepared, added the head of the British defence department.

"We are ready to send British soldiers to Ukraine partly to reassure Ukrainians. But also partly to ensure security in the air, at sea, and to strengthen Ukrainian armed forces, because ultimately the best deterrent against Russia... resuming aggression against Ukraine is Ukraine’s ability to defend itself," Healey said.

When asked what would happen if Russia attacks British troops while they are in Ukraine, Healey responded that he would not discuss hypothetical situations. However, he added that there are "important principles" and that British troops would have "the right to defend themselves if attacked."