The Telegraph reports that Britain’s defense secretary John Healey stated that his son Alex had joined the Army Reserves after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Healey told a newspaper that the next day, when Putin entered the country in February 2022 he said, “Dad, I would join up now if I was Ukrainian.”
Healey made the disclosure during a wide-ranging, in-depth interview where he discussed Britain’s priorities for defense and the challenges posed by potential global conflicts.
Healey said that his son, who is now in his late 20s, was motivated by patriotic feelings.
“It is a bit old fashioned, but he will talk about King and Country,” said the Defense Secretary.
Healey’s position now has a new meaning after his son’s enlistment. “I can better understand the feeling of families of those who… Hopefully, it won’t happen but if it does, I will be required as Defence Secretary to commit myself to conflicts that may put them at risk,” Healey told the Telegraph.
Healey cited British intelligence on the current situation in Ukraine, which showed that Russian forces suffered record casualties, with 41,980 deaths and an average daily loss of 1,354. He said that Putin’s military expenditure, which accounts for 40% of the Russian budget beyond 2025, is unsustainable.
Healey referred to Britain’s “NATO First strategy” regarding NATO and European Security.
“The UK‘s defense begins in Ukraine.” “Estonia and the border with Russia are our front lines, not just theirs,” said he.
In less than 48 hours following his appointment, Britain’s new defense minister announced more military assistance for Ukraine. This included more artillery, a quarter-million ammunition rounds, and nearly 100 precision Brimstone rockets.
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