Britain could send troops to Ukraine to train soldiers

Talks over extra support confirmed as Zelensky visits No 10

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Military chiefs are considering sending British troops to Ukraine to train soldiers and boost Kyiv's recruitment efforts, it has emerged.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) sources confirmed to The Independent that discussions are ongoing about whether to send troops to the country to support it amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. There is already a small number of British medical personnel in Ukraine, delivering training and mentoring to the country’s armed forces.

And, under plans being discussed, small groups of military trainers would travel to secluded locations in the west of the country to provide intensive training to new recruits before they are deployed to the front line in the east. Two sources told The Times the plans would solve some of the logistical issues that come with sending Ukrainian troops to UK bases for training and to save money.

The plans emerged as Volodymyr Zelensky visited 10 Downing Street for talks with Sir Keir Starmer amid a European tour to drum up further support for Ukraine’s campaign against Russia. The Ukrainian president and the prime minister embraced outside No 10 before a series of talks also involving Nato’s new secretary general Mark Rutte.