UK considers deploying troops to Ukraine – ambassador Prystaiko

Former Ukrainian Ambassador to Great Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, revealed this in an interview with Ukrainian Radio Svoboda.

"No one will ever admit it, especially politicians. When questioned, they often respond with, 'No, no, we'd better give any weapons.' In reality, there are calculations by the British military, that, God forbid, the armed forces may need to be deployed. This is the responsibility of military and diplomats—to plan for potential future scenarios. The political leadership must decide whether this plan is normal or not. Our duty, for which we are entrusted, is to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. The worst case involves these countries deploying their expeditionary forces on Ukrainian territory," stated the diplomat.

According to him, London might consider such a scenario in the event of a "catastrophic development of the war."

Prystaiko added that British public opinion, whether now or in the future, will not be ready for such an eventuality. However, Britain would likely base its actions on considerations related to maintaining global order, enabling free, democratic development, and upholding the inviolability of international norms and rights.

"Britain doesn't desire this. No one wants their sons or daughters to die. But there are things that people may not understand—the order that allows us to exist and develop freely. International law is violated when Russia attacks an independent state, violating its sovereignty. Such changes hinder the development of states, preventing them from keeping trade routes open," emphasized Vadym Prystaiko.

• In early October 2023, British Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps expressed openness to sending the Navy to the Black Sea. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak publicly opposed this move.