The United Kingdom has announced a significant boost in military assistance to Ukraine, allocating £500 million pounds sterling (approximately $617 million dollars), according to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
During his visit to Poland on Tuesday, April 23, Prime Minister Sunak emphasized the crucial importance of bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities to counter Russia's aggressive ambitions and prevent further encroachment into Europe.
"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," Sunak asserted.
"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," he said.
Sunak's visit to Poland marks his first international trip in recent months. During his visit, he is set to meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
In what he termed as the largest-ever individual equipment package, London will dispatch a substantial array of weaponry, including 60 vessels, over 1600 strike missiles and air defense missiles, and nearly 4 million rounds of ammunition for small arms.
Britain has long been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and this additional funding will elevate London's total military assistance to £3 billion pounds sterling for this financial year.
Details from the British government indicate that Sunak is expected to announce the allocation of £500 million pounds sterling to Ukraine, along with the largest-ever shipment of vital armaments. The list of provisions includes:
- 60 vessels, including raiding and diving boats, as well as naval cannons;
- Over 1600 strike and air defense missiles, along with additional long-range Storm Shadow missiles;
- Over 400 units of equipment, including 160 Husky armored vehicles, 162 armored vehicles, and 78 all-terrain vehicles;
- Nearly four million rounds of ammunition for small arms.
Thus, throughout this financial year, Britain will provide Ukraine with a total of £3 billion pounds sterling in military assistance.
In addition to meeting with Tusk, Sunak will also confer with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw regarding European security and support for Ukraine. He will then proceed to Germany to meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
The announcement also underscores Ukraine's existential threat, as Russia continues its barbaric incursion, jeopardizing the security and stability of the entire Europe.
The aid package was also commented on by British Defense Minister Grant Shapps, who said that this record military aid package would provide President Zelenskyy and his brave nation with the necessary means to expel Putin and restore peace and stability in Europe.
"The UK was the first to provide Ukraine with weapons training, the first to provide NLAW anti-tank missiles, the first to give modern tanks, the first to send long range missiles. Now, we are going even further. We will never let the world forget the existential battle Ukraine is fighting, and with our enduring support, they will win," Shapps added.
British assistance to Ukraine
Recently, the United Kingdom has allocated nearly £150 million pounds (over $180 million dollars) to strengthen Ukraine's energy sector.
Earlier in April, it was revealed that London is considering sending Ukraine a prototype of laser weapons for drone and missile interception.
On April 10, Ukraine and Britain signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the defense materials sector.
On March 22, the UK Ministry of Defense announced a new military aid package to Ukraine worth £60 million pounds sterling (over $75 million dollars), which included drones and air defense assets.
