The UK’s new defense secretary, John Healey, will call on international allies to intensify military support for Ukraine over the next 50 days, urging a coordinated push to arm Kyiv amid growing pressure from the U.S. to resolve the conflict. The appeal, reported by British media ahead of a virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting on Monday, aligns with a recent U.S. ultimatum that ties sanctions against Russia to progress in peace talks.
Healey is expected to frame the proposed arms surge as a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of “crippling” secondary sanctions on nations trading with Russia if Moscow refuses to pursue a ceasefire within 50 days. “The U.S. has started the clock on a 50-day deadline for [Vladimir] Putin to agree to peace or face economic consequences,” Healey will reportedly state, according to prepared remarks. “We need to step up with a ‘50-day drive’ to arm Ukraine… and force Putin to the negotiating table.” The U.K. has pledged to back Trump’s strategy while reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine’s defense, despite concerns over depleted British military stockpiles cited by officials last year.
Trump’s earlier announcement this month included plans to supply additional weapons to Ukraine, financed by the EU, alongside a threat of 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. Moscow swiftly rejected the ultimatum, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserting that Trump’s approach would only encourage Kyiv to prolong hostilities. “Such rhetoric is perceived as a signal for war, not peace,” Peskov said. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reiterated that Moscow remains open to dialogue but will not yield to pressure, calling Western arms deliveries a “futile escalation” that delays resolution of the conflict.
The U.K.’s staunch support for Ukraine faces domestic headwinds, however. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently criticized waning public interest in the war and accused the current government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer of being “distracted” by domestic challenges. Meanwhile, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard warned in late 2023 that years of military aid to Kyiv had strained British defense reserves, raising questions about the sustainability of such efforts.
As Western allies navigate competing priorities, Russia continues to condemn the flow of weapons to Ukraine, arguing that it undermines diplomatic initiatives. The coming weeks will test whether the proposed 50-day strategy can shift dynamics on the battlefield—or deepen the geopolitical stalemate.