Defence Secretary John Healey provided an update on the UK’s support for Ukraine and its response to wider Russian aggression, as the conflict enters a critical phase in 2025.
Harpreet Uppal, Labour MP for Huddersfield, asked about steps to increase military assistance to Ukraine. Healey described 2025 as pivotal in the conflict, stating, “This is day 1,049 of Russia’s brutal, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and 2025 will be the critical year in the conflict.”
He outlined the government’s focus on enhancing Ukraine’s battlefield position and defence capabilities, explaining, “Throughout 2025, we will develop UK training, strengthen defence industrial co-operation, increase pressure with allies on Russia, and step up and speed up military aid to Ukraine.”
Uppal welcomed the announcement of £225 million in new military aid but raised concerns about the broader security threat posed by Russia’s shadow fleet, particularly following the reported sabotage of an undersea cable in the Baltic. In response, Healey highlighted the activation of an advanced UK-led reaction system by the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), designed to monitor Russian activities.
He stated, “For the first time, the joint expeditionary force—the JEF—has activated an advanced UK-led reaction system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and to monitor the movements of the Russian shadow fleet. That will be run out of the standing joint force headquarters at Northwood.”
Dr Andrew Murrison, Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire, questioned the UK’s broader aims, asking whether it supports Ukraine’s fight to restore its internationally recognised borders or accepts the possibility of a de facto border excluding Donbas and Crimea.
Healey replied that decisions on negotiations lie with Ukraine. “It is the Ukrainians who are fighting; it is the Ukrainians who decide when to start talking; and it is for the Ukrainians to decide on what terms they may start talking,” he said.
He added that the UK’s role is to support Ukraine both in combat and at any potential negotiations.
Healey also acknowledged the wider implications of Russian aggression, stating that incidents such as the Baltic undersea cable damage highlight threats beyond Ukraine. The activation of the JEF’s advanced reaction system represents a step towards addressing hybrid threats in cooperation with European allies.
And the UK’s preparedness – nil! Every other major European nation is increasing conventional capabilities whilst we’re leading the cuts!
Not sure that is true rmj
Trust in any politician to do anything but obfuscate? Stupidity. Politicians talk out of their rears.
We the dumbed down T.A.F. British public believe everything you imbeciles say !!! I personally think our political class are making money from stocks and shares in military companies and don’t give a f¥€£ about us whom they’ve labelled as far right thugs.
I hope I’m wrong because it’s dangerous to be right when the relevant authorities are wronguns.
No diplomacy speaks volumes
Make peace you idiots 🫶✌️