Statement of the UK Defense Minister
The UK Defense Minister John Healey compared the detention of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro with the necessity of holding Russian leader Vladimir Putin accountable for war crimes. The statement was made on January 9, 2026, during Healey's visit to Kyiv. The Minister emphasized the importance of justice, stating that he is ready to 'take half a guard of Putin' and bring him to account.
Support for Ukraine and International Responsibility
John Healey stressed that the war unleashed by Russia requires urgent action. He stated:
“This man needs to be stopped. This war needs to be stopped. And our mission is to support Ukraine in its current struggle and help secure peace at this moment.” - John Healey
Moreover, the UK government plans to allocate £200 million (about $270 million) for the preparation of units for possible deployment in Ukraine, which indicates continued support for Ukraine in its fight against aggression.
John Healey's statement underscores the UK's determination to support Ukraine and the necessity of international accountability for war crimes. The comparison of Maduro and Putin indicates that the British government views aggression on a global level and sees it as a threat to international security. The allocation of financial resources for the preparation of military units shows Britain's readiness not only in words but also in deeds to support Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty.