The United Kingdom Defence Secretary John Healey has said he hopes to be the minister who oversees the deployment of British troops to Ukraine, arguing that such a move would signal the end of Russia’s war.

In a Sunday Telegraph column, Healey wrote that committing military forces is a serious responsibility, but said he would welcome the deployment if it helped secure peace.

“There is no heavier burden on any defence secretary or any government than committing our armed forces on operations. I want to be the defence secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine - because this will mean that this war is finally over,” he said.

Healey added that the deployment would imply a negotiated peace settlement and stressed that a secure Europe requires a strong and sovereign Ukraine.

His comments come amid discussions among European leaders, including the UK, France and Germany, about forming a “coalition of the willing” with U.S. support.

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The proposed multinational force could help rebuild Ukrainian military capability, protect airspace and support maritime security, including potential operations inside Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached.

The UK government is working with allies to establish the coalition, which is intended to deter future Russian military action once a settlement is achieved between Moscow and Kyiv.

The proposed deployment would take place only after a peace agreement is reached and would form part of a multinational coalition involving several European partners and the United States, with the primary aim of supporting Ukraine’s post-war security, reconstruction efforts and deterrence against future military aggression.

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