Politico: UK’s new defence secretary seeks to be "Mr. Ukraine"

The United Kingdom's new defence secretary has described steadfast support for Ukraine as his “number one priority,” even as Britain faces severe military challenges of its own.

Aides said his ambition was to be seen as “Mr. Ukraine” of the British government, a mantle arguably held until recently by a Conservative predecessor, Ben Wallace, who won plaudits among allies for his staunch commitment to Ukraine and was at one time seen as a contender for the role of NATO secretary general, Caliber.Az informs citing Politico.

“I’m proud the UK has been united in support of Ukraine, and I was determined and Keir Starmer was determined that would continue with a Labour government," Healey said, speaking aboard an RAF plane to Ramstein, Germany, where he will attend his first meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Friday.

Notably, on September 6, 2024, the British government announced that it would supply Ukraine with 650 lightweight multi-role missiles, valued at £162 million ($213.13 million), to aid in defending against Russian drones and bombings.

The announcement of the new missile supply came as British Defence Minister John Healey participated in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, a temporary coalition of around 50 countries, at a US air base in Germany.