UK Amplifies Military Assistance to Ukraine with Fresh Aid Package: Official

Kyiv, Dec 19 (NationPress) The UK is amplifying its military assistance to Ukraine with a fresh aid package that features naval drones, air defence systems, and artillery, as announced by British Defence Secretary John Healey.

Training programs for Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, a multinational military initiative led by the UK, are set to persist through 2025, irrespective of the evolving peace negotiations in Ukraine and any potential ceasefire, Healey stated in a recent interview with the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform.

Three years after Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated the invasion of Ukraine, the extent of his miscalculations has become increasingly evident, as the courageous people of Ukraine continue to defy expectations with their indomitable spirit, Healey remarked.

“However, they cannot do this alone,” he added, reaffirming that the UK's commitment to Kyiv is “ironclad” and that Britain will consistently stand “shoulder to shoulder” to ensure that Putin does not prevail.

In July, the newly formed Labour government pledged to allocate £3 billion annually in military assistance to Ukraine until the years 2030-2031.

The latest aid package will encompass £92 million dedicated to enhancing Ukraine's navy, which includes small boats, reconnaissance drones, and uncrewed surface vessels, according to a statement from the Defence Ministry.

Nonetheless, Healey mentioned that it is premature to publicly discuss the possibility of British support for deploying an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Healey arrived in Kyiv earlier on Wednesday, as reported by local media.

On the same day, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov shared on Facebook that he had discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defence, ensuring a steady supply of artillery ammunition, and exploring collaborative defence projects with Healey.

A significant focus was on the co-production of air defence systems, with discussions also addressing the utilization of Storm Shadow missiles and the equipping and training of new brigades within the Ukrainian army.

An additional £68 million is earmarked for air defence equipment, including radars, and £39 million will be allocated to supply the Ukrainian military with 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems.

Healey further stated that the UK will enhance a training program for Ukrainian soldiers conducted alongside key allies on British territory, known as Operation Interflex, which has trained 51,000 recruits since mid-2022.

“With Putin sending as many as 2,000 Russian soldiers to their deaths on the battlefield daily, it is crucial that Ukraine is provided with a supply of properly trained and equipped soldiers,” the Ministry's statement emphasized.

Umerov expressed gratitude to the UK for its support, noting that the “stable delivery of ammunition, particularly for artillery, is vital for our defence efforts.”

He added that the two leaders reviewed the outcomes of using Storm Shadow missiles, although specific details were not disclosed.

London granted Kyiv the authorization to utilize the UK-supplied long-range missiles against Russia for the first time in November.