British defense chief to discuss with U.S. counterpart path to peace in Ukraine

As Ukrinform reports with reference to the British government website, the two defense chiefs will talk during Healey’s visit to the U.S. on March 5-6.

"Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening bonds between NATO allies will be the focus of discussions during the Defence Secretary’s visit to Washington DC on Wednesday and Thursday – including a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth," the report says.

It is noted that Healy will highlight the "unparalleled depth of the UK's special relationship with the US – the UK’s closest security ally".

"At their bilateral meeting tomorrow [Thursday], the two Defence Secretaries are due to discuss the plan for peace in Ukraine being worked on by the US, UK, France, and European allies. It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington last week, where the Prime Minister and the President confirmed both nations will work together on security arrangements to deliver a lasting peace in Ukraine. The discussions follow the Prime Minister’s meeting of international leaders in London last weekend, where allies discussed the need for a lasting peace settlement, with US support," the report reads.

It is also highlighted that the latest defense engagement with the U.S. administration follows a first meeting between the two Defence Secretaries last month, when the UK convened the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates urgent military support for Ukraine.

"The Prime Minister was clear following his meetings over the past week, that we will continue our dialogue with friends and allies to secure a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. We will advance that work in Washington over the coming days," Healey said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed increased military assistance to Ukraine during a meeting with British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey.