UK announces ‘largest-ever’ military aid package to Ukraine — RT World News
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised more long-range missiles, dozens of boats and hundreds of armored vehicles
London has joined the aid bandwagon for Ukraine, revealing plans to provide the largest British military aid package, with Washington close to approving new $61 billion in funding for Kiev.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will formally announce the new aid plan when he travels to Warsaw on Tuesday for talks with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk. Sunak's office said in a statement that the package is worth 500 million pounds ($617 million) and will include more than 400 vehicles, 60 boats and an undisclosed number of long-range Storm Shadow missiles. statementcalled “The largest provision of vital munitions ever.”
He added: “Defending Ukraine against Russia's brutal ambitions is vital to our security and to all of Europe.” Sunak claimed. “If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border.”
The latest round of arms would bring London's military aid to Kiev to £3 billion this year alone. It will also include 1,600 offensive and air defense missiles and about 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition.
“Today’s package will help ensure Ukraine has what it needs to take the fight to Russia.” Sunak said. He added: “The UK will always play its role at the forefront of European security, defending our national interests and standing alongside our NATO allies.”
This statement comes two days after the US House of Representatives approved a long-stalled emergency spending bill that includes $61 billion in additional aid to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden pledged on Monday to quickly increase arms shipments to Kiev once the Senate approves spending legislation, which could happen on Tuesday.
The Biden administration exhausted funding for Ukraine earlier this year, after using up to $113 billion in aid packages approved by Congress. The cut in support from Washington, Kiev's biggest donor ever, has led to an ammunition shortage that has been blamed for battlefield setbacks in recent months. Other NATO member states and the European Union have responded by boosting aid commitments, such as a €500 million ($533 million) package offered by Germany last month.
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps praised the fact that London was the first ally to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles. “accident” Tanks. “Now, we go further.” He said in the statement. He added: “We will never let the world forget the existential battle that Ukraine is waging, and with our constant support, they will prevail.” He added that the latest round of aid will give Ukraine what it needs to repel Russian forces and the armed forces “Restoring peace and stability in Europe.”
Ukrainian leaders are said to be less optimistic about the potential impact of additional Western weapons. The $61 billion US aid bill – nearly 100 times the size of the UK's last grant – is unlikely to hold up. “It will dramatically change Kiev's position on the front line.” The Financial Times reported on Monday, citing unidentified Ukrainian officials and military analysts.
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