The United Kingdom will increase its military aid to Ukraine by £1 billion, significantly bolstering Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s efforts to defend his country.
The announcement increases the total UK military support since the beginning of the conflict to £2.3 billion, with Boris Johnson saying that British backing is “transforming Ukraine’s defenses” against the Russian assault.
The promise of further military support came after the president of Ukraine requested NATO leaders to do more to assist his nation in resisting Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
At the Thursday-ending NATO summit in Madrid, the United Kingdom pledged investment for capabilities such as advanced air defense systems, drones, and electronic warfare weapons.
The weaponry, according to British authorities, is the initial step towards enabling Ukraine to conduct offensive operations against Russian ground forces to recapture lost territory.
They also claimed that the United Kingdom gave Ukraine more money than any other country during the conflict.
Mr. Johnson stated, “Putin’s savagery continues to claim the lives of Ukrainians and endanger the peace and security of Europe.”
Putin’s attacks against the Ukrainian people are becoming increasingly barbaric as the futility of this war becomes evident to all. UK weapons, equipment, and training are transforming Ukraine’s defenses against this assault. “And we will continue to stand firmly behind the Ukrainian people to ensure Putin fails in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom Liz Truss, who is also attending the NATO conference, told that Britain must prioritize preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin, a “terrifying dictator.”
The United Kingdom includes its support for Ukraine in its defense budget, bringing its total contribution to approximately 2,3 percent of gross domestic product – a measure of the size of the economy.
The amount of defense spending has been a subject of contention between the White House and the military, with calls for additional funds to meet the heightened demands imposed by Russia’s actions.
Ben Wallace, secretary of defense, stated, “Britain’s commitment to Ukraine is real and unwavering, and we will continue to support them until Russia changes course.”
This military aid will enable them to escalate their fight against Russian aggression and provide them with the necessary defense capabilities.”
Regarding the 2,3 percent expenditure number, Mr. Wallace told reporters in Madrid, “To be fair, No. 10 does say ‘if you include the additional Ukrainian spend,’ so they have inserted a sort of caveat.
Because it is not essential defense spending. It is not my primary budget; it does not purchase me additional aircraft, tanks, or ships.” It indirectly aids Britain’s defense since we are aiding Ukraine.”
Alex Goncharenko, a member of parliament from Odesa, emphasized the need for additional support for Ukraine when he stated that Russia was employing “an amazing amount of artillery and numerous missile launch systems” to destroy portions of his nation.
“Yes, their artillery is Soviet-era in design. However, it is lethal,” he told reporters in Madrid.
“They attempted blitzkrieg, but it failed, so now they’re using scorched earth.
Similar to the First World War, this is the truth.
Mr. Wallace shared this evaluation of Russia’s methods, which he believed had cost Mr. Putin approximately 25,000 soldiers’ lives.
“They are advancing at First World War levels, meters rather than kilometers every day,” he claimed.
The Russians “bombed the hell out of the infrastructure,” so “all they have to occupy are minefields and demolished buildings”.
