Vladimir Putin could use their involvement to justify launching an attack against NATO allies, concerned officials say
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Grant Shapps has warned British soldiers wanting to fight in Ukraine that they risk creating a “dangerous situation,” as Putin could use their involvement as motivation to attack NATO allies.
The Transport Secretary told troops “you cannot just get up and go” after it was reported a 19-year-old Queen’s guard left Windsor to join frontline in Ukraine.
He made clear that there was a difference between the UK dispatching its troops to fight alongside Ukrainians and individuals wanting to join the fight.
Any individuals that make the decision to go to Ukraine could be prosecuted on their return to the UK the The Foreign Office website warns.
“You cannot go and fight if you’re in the British Army, you cannot just get up and go and fight. Of course that’s inappropriate behaviour and you would expect the army to have some very, very strict rules in place, as they do,” Mr Shapps said.
He continued, “Clearly, this is a dangerous situation. And clearly, we want to make sure that the assistance we’re providing is done in an official way – like the anti-tank missiles that we provided prior to and during this conflict, and like the 22,000 Ukrainians that we’ve trained.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesman added: “All service personnel are prohibited from travelling to Ukraine until further notice.
“This applies whether the service person is on leave or not. Personnel travelling to Ukraine will face disciplinary and administrative consequences.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said last week that she would support British individuals who want to join Ukraine’s force in their fight against Russia.
This contradicted Government advice including Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace who warned the situation was "dangerous" and that there were other ways to help the country.
