Media reports UK wants ‘50-day drive’ to weaponize Ukraine
(MENAFN) UK Defense Secretary John Healey is expected to call on Ukraine’s Western supporters to launch a “50-day drive” to accelerate arms deliveries to Kiev, according to reports in British media. The proposal aligns with US President Donald Trump’s recent ultimatum, which threatens secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners if no progress is made toward ending the conflict within 50 days.
Healey is reportedly set to present the plan during a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on Monday. He is also expected to endorse Trump’s timeline and reaffirm Britain’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
“The US has given Putin 50 days to agree to peace or face harsh new sanctions. We must respond with a 50-day effort to arm Ukraine and push Putin toward negotiations,” Healey is anticipated to say.
Earlier this month, Trump announced a 50-day ceasefire ultimatum for Russia, warning of severe penalties, including 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. He also revealed plans for new weapons shipments to Ukraine, with the EU covering the costs.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov argued that Trump’s comments would likely be seen by Kiev as encouragement to prolong the conflict. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reiterated Moscow’s rejection of ultimatums but maintained that Russia remains open to negotiations.
Although the UK has been a key supporter of Ukraine, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard previously warned that Britain’s own military stockpiles have been significantly depleted after years of sustained deliveries.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western arms supplies to Ukraine, asserting they only extend the conflict without altering its eventual outcome. Russia also accuses the EU and UK of undermining peace efforts.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently expressed disappointment at waning public support for Ukraine, adding that the current government is preoccupied with domestic challenges.
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