Britain to send record military aid to Kyiv to help Ukraine keep the lights on
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Britain is sending a record package of military aid to Ukraine so the country can keep the lights on this year, Rishi Sunak has announced.
The Prime Minister unveiled £500 million in extra equipment, including air defence missiles, to thwart Russia’s bombardment of power stations.
He also pledged to donate hundreds of armoured vehicles, 60 boats – including raiding craft – and four million rounds of small-arms ammunition to help Kyiv through a “difficult summer”.
Mr Sunak made the announcement ahead of a visit to Germany and Poland where he will urge European allies to increase military support for Ukraine. He will speak with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, and Donald Tusk, the Polish president, and meet British troops stationed in both countries.
Before travelling to Poland on Tuesday, he warned that Vladimir Putin “will not stop at the Polish border” if he wins the war, meaning the security of the whole continent is at stake.
The package is the biggest single donation of equipment the UK has provided to Ukraine and will take the total assistance being provided this year to £3 billion.
It includes more than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, with the Prime Minister also pledging to supply more long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which Ukraine has used to devastating effect against Moscow’s military.
Russia has deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure with rocket attacks including power stations in an attempt to bring the Ukrainian population to its knees.
Earlier this month, it used a missile barrage to destroy the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant, which supplied much of the power to Kyiv.
Mr Sunak said on Monday night: “Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border.
“Ukraine’s armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support and they need it now. Today’s package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia.
“The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security, defending our national interest and standing by our Nato allies.”
Alongside the missiles, the aid package will also contain British-made attack drones and more than 400 military vehicles including 160 husky protected patrol cars.
Britain is donating 60 boats to help the Ukrainian armed forces on the water including offshore raiding craft and dive boats, as well as maritime guns.
‘Barbaric assault’
Mr Sunak’s spokesman said all the equipment had been specifically requested by Kyiv, which “faces a difficult summer as Russia continues to ramp up its barbaric assault”.
“They have asked and we have answered. New weaponry will be procured and delivered as quickly as possible,” he said.
“The UK continues to play a central role in European defence and security in the face of growing global threats and an expansionist Russia.”
It comes on top of £2.5 billion of military aid that the Prime Minister unveiled in January during a trip to Kyiv for talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine.
Downing Street said that the extra £500 million had been paid for by the Treasury and was not being taken from the Ministry of Defence’s budget.
Ukraine has been struggling to fight off Russian attacks, which have been growing in intensity despite the huge losses faced by Moscow’s forces.
It was handed a big boost on Sunday when the US House of Representatives finally signed off on a £50 billion package of US military assistance.
But in a blow to Kyiv, foreign and defence ministers from European Union countries failed to sign off on the delivery of Patriot air defence systems.
Mr Scholz has faced criticism both inside and outside of Germany, including from President Zelensky, over his refusal to sanction the delivery of air-launched Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
‘Kick Putin out’
Grant Shapps said the UK’s “record package” would give Ukraine “more of the kit they need to kick Putin out and restore peace and stability in Europe”.
“We will never let the world forget the existential battle Ukraine is fighting, and with our enduring support, they will win,” the Defence Secretary said.
The Prime Minister will use his talks with Mr Tusk to make an offer to deploy an RAF Typhoon Squadron to Poland next year to carry out Nato air policing.
Mr Sunak is also expected to use his meetings with both the Polish prime minister and Mr Scholz to push for improved post-Brexit trade ties.
