British Defense Minister says Ukrainians inspired his son to serve in the army

The head of the UK Ministry of Defense, John Healey, said that the bravery of Ukrainians fighting the Russian aggressor inspired his son to join the army. The young man enlisted in the British Armed Forces reserve.

The official told about this in a comment to The Telegraph. In a conversation with journalists, he said that the whole world is living without security today, and each country must respond to challenges.

"This is a terrible time for a defense minister. The war in Ukraine has brought Russia and NATO closer to conflict than ever before. The Middle East is on the verge of a regional conflagration. And the U.S. intelligence community estimates that the best window of opportunity for China to invade Taiwan will open in 2027. In other words, if World War III does come, it will most likely come during his lifetime," the publication writes.

The head of the British Ministry of Defense himself says that this is not his statement at all, but the world is undoubtedly "in an era of insecurity." According to Healey, today shows, as it did during the First and Second World Wars and now in Ukraine, that the armed forces of any country are only as strong as "the industry and society behind them."

"It's difficult for me as a defense minister because I know that if we face conflict, it will be my decision to send British troops into situations that put them at risk. That is the duty of the office, but now it is also personal," he said.

Healey explained that his son Alex, who is in his thirties, is now an infantryman in the Army Reserve, and that his decision was influenced by the war in Ukraine.

"I haven't talked about it before. But it was actually Ukraine. When Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022, we were having lunch together the next day, and he said to me: "Dad, if I were Ukrainian, I would join the army today." And shortly after that, he came up to me and my mother and said, "I want to join the army. I want to be a reservist.' That's what he did," the British official explained.

Jackie Healey, who works as a manager in her husband's ministerial office, expressed confidence that their son is driven by a desire to defend his country.

"It's a bit old-fashioned, but he will talk about the king and the country. It's a recognition that there is something important about our country and what we stand for that he wants to help protect. I don't think you can talk to anyone in uniform, reservist or full-time, who won't tell you that service is at the heart of their motivation and commitment," she says.

Alex's father, John Healey, did not serve. He studied social and political sciences at Christ's College, Cambridge, and before entering politics, he worked for charities, advocating for people with disabilities.

"I can better understand the feelings of the families of those who... I hope it doesn't happen, but if necessary, as a defense minister, I will have to send them to participate in conflicts where they may be in danger," the British defense minister said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier John Healey promised that Britain would work with its allies to support Ukraine, as he wants the Victory Plan presented by the President to be successfully implemented. The UK Defense Secretary emphasized that it is a critical moment in the war, so it is important to "strengthen and accelerate support for Kyiv."

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