UK defense secretary arrives in Ukraine as Kyiv signals 'important' military decisions
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U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 3, Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Telegram.
Healey's visit follows a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes overnight on Sept. 3, targeting cities across western and central Ukraine.
"We are preparing important bilateral decisions that will strengthen the defense capabilities of our countries," Shmyhal wrote.
According to Ukraine's defense chief, Healey's trip is focused on coordinating priorities for the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in the Ramstein format, scheduled for Sept. 9 in London, and on advancing joint defense projects.
The Ramstein summit will bring together Ukraine's allies to discuss further military support, though the agenda has not yet been disclosed. The format, previously chaired by the U.S., is now jointly led by the U.K. and Germany after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
London has been among Kyiv's staunchest backers since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying weapons, training, and intelligence.
The U.K. is expected to play a key role in shaping new security guarantees for Ukraine as Western leaders weigh frameworks for a potential ceasefire and longer-term defense commitments.
