Kathrine Frich
A visit meant to signal solidarity with Ukraine turned abruptly dangerous as Russia intensified its strikes on Kyiv.
Editor’s note: In a previous version of the article, the headline indicated that the Healey’s train was targeted by the Russian attack. This is not correct, a the train was forced to make an emergency stop because of the drone attack, but was not targeted. This has now been corrected, we apologize.
The incident underlined how close foreign officials are coming to the front lines of the war.
The events also came amid growing debate over accountability for Russian actions and how far Western governments are prepared to go in supporting Ukraine.
Train under fire
British Defence Secretary John Healey said the train he was travelling on was forced to make an emergency stop during a Russian missile and drone attack on the night of January 9.
The incident occurred during Healey’s visit to Kyiv, as Russia launched strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
Four people were killed in the attack, according to Ukrainian authorities.
After the incident, Healey described the experience as “a sobering moment,”
“It was a sobering moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in freezing conditions. We will not tolerate this and we are determined to put state-of-the-art weapons in the hands of the Ukrainians as they fight back,” Healey said.
Words on Putin
During the visit, Healey spoke to the Kyiv Independent and was asked what he would do if he had the power to detain any world leader.
He replied that he would “take (Russian President Vladimir) Putin into custody and hold him accountable for war crimes.”
He pointed to alleged crimes he said he had witnessed or learned about directly.
These included “what I saw in Bucea, on one of my first visits to Ukraine,” and “the kidnapping of Ukrainian children I met in Irpin.”
The Kyiv Independent noted that such statements have taken on new weight following the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, ordered by US President Donald Trump.
New weapons plans
Following Healey’s visit, London confirmed plans to help develop and supply new ballistic missiles to Ukraine.
According to RBC-Ukraine, the UK intends to work with domestic companies to design and deliver the first three Nightfall missiles.
The missile carries a 200-kilogram warhead and can strike targets up to 500 kilometres away.
Healey confirmed that such missiles could reach Moscow if launched from Ukrainian territory.
The initial contract is worth £9 million.
Bucha and accountability
Healey also referred to Bucha, which became a symbol of alleged Russian war crimes after mass graves were discovered there in April 2022.
The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine has documented more than 1,400 civilian deaths in the Bucha district, including 637 in the town itself. Among the victims were 37 children.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin over the illegal deportation of civilians, including children, from occupied Ukrainian territories.
‘He must be stopped’
Standing near a drone-damaged residential building, Healey said the destruction showed Putin’s intent to target civilians and vital infrastructure.
“It tells you everything you need to know about President Putin and his determination not just to wage war on Ukraine, but to target civilians, cities, infrastructure that people absolutely critically depend on in the middle of winter,” he said.
“This is a man who must be stopped. This is a war that must be stopped.”
Sources: Digi24, Kyiv Independent, RBC-Ukraine
