On Friday morning, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a rare visit to Ukraine with a military support package, along with humanitarian aid and a security deal with his counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
During his visit, Both the leaders discussed the enhanced military assistance that the UK has committed to provide Ukraine over the upcoming year.
Amid Russia's invasion, the UK remains a firm supporter of Kyiv. Rishi Sunak announced the annual commitment to provide £2.5 billion for 2024/25. The package includes new military drones, long-range missiles, air defence systems, artillery ammunition, and maritime security and are expected to be primarily manufactured in the UK. This marks the largest drone delivery to Ukraine by any nation.
Historic Security Cooperation Agreement
During the visit, Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to sign a historic UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation. This agreement formalises various forms of support, including intelligence sharing, cyber security, medical and military training, and defence industrial cooperation.
The UK-Ukraine agreement, signed today, encompasses various bilateral assurances of military and economic support. This strategic move aims to deter Russian aggression as Ukraine progresses toward joining NATO.
The signing of this pact, which G7 nations committed to at the NATO summit in Vilnius last year, represents a milestone as the UK becomes the first G7 country to ink such a bilateral security assurance with Ukraine.
Zelenskiy has urged Western allies to increase support for Ukraine against Russian forces, expressing concerns about withering interest as the conflict continues.
In announcing his visit to Kyiv, Sunak stated, "For two years, Ukraine has shown immense courage in repelling a brutal Russian invasion. Their unwavering determination to defend their country and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy is commendable. Today, I convey a singular message: the UK will stand unwaveringly with Ukraine, supporting them in their darkest hours and the brighter times ahead."
Sunak said “Ukrainian’s security is our security”. “Today we are going further – increasing our military aid, delivering thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic new security agreement to provide Ukraine with the assurances it needs for the long term.”
Former Ukrainian defense minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk characterized the British initiative as significant, especially amid a lapse in military support from the US, Ukraine's key ally. Describing it as a "big deal," he emphasized that the UK has taken a substantial step forward at a time when some allies are exhibiting hesitancy.
UK's armed forces minister, James Heappey, characterized the military action in Yemen on Friday as "an act of self-defence," emphasizing the need to protect warships from potential further attacks. During the one-day visit, Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelenskiy are set to sign a UK-Ukraine agreement on security cooperation. This follows the commitment made by G7 countries at the previous year's Nato summit to sign bilateral security assurances with Ukraine.
Downing Street announced that the support package marks the initial phase of an enduring "unshakeable hundred-year partnership" between Ukraine and the UK. The comprehensive aid comprises £18 million for humanitarian assistance, support for reinforcing Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and additional funding for online English language training.
The UK's commitment follows months of pressure from MPs who advocated for earlier clarity to aid Ukraine in its military planning. Meanwhile, both the United States and the European Union face challenges in reaching agreements on their support packages, crucial for Ukraine's immediate need for shells and missiles.
Photo: The Independent
In the US, Republicans are obstructing a $60 billion package, prioritizing spending on the southern border. In the EU, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has blocked a €50 billion support package in a funding dispute with Brussels.
(Inputs from other agencies)
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