Rishi Sunak has set off for an unexpected trip to Ukraine, bringing with him a stunning £2.5 billion in military aid for the nation. This news comes as Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, is urging western allies to provide additional support to counteract Russian forces.
Distraction caused by the ongoing crisis in the middle-east, as Israel continues its assault on Gaza, is feared to be causing fading interest in the Ukraine conflict among allies. Prime Minister Boris Johnson upheld UK’s unbroken support for Kyiv prior to his meeting with President Zelensky.
The Prime Minister said: “For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. They are still fighting, unfaltering in their determination to defend their country and defend the principles of freedom and democracy.”
He added: “I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come.”
This visit marks Mr Sunak’s second trip to Ukraine, the first was back in November 2022 just after he stepped into Number 10. The UK has remained a fierce advocate for Ukraine, demonstrated by a significant state visit undertaken by Mr Zelensky to London last year.
The Prime Minister and Mr Zelensky are set to sign a new UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation during the one-day visit. This follows the G7 countries’ agreement at last year’s NATO summit to sign bilateral security assurances with Ukraine.
Number 10 announced that £2.5 billion in funding would cover long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime security. This support marks an increase of £200 million over the past two years.
An additional £200 million will be used to procure and produce thousands of military drones. The Government stated this is the largest delivery of drones to Ukraine from any nation, with most expected to be manufactured in the UK.
Mr Zelensky has expressed Ukraine’s need for air defence systems to counter Russian aerial barrages. Officials in Kyiv reported more than 500 drones and missiles were fired between December 29 and January 2.
The Ukrainian leader started the year by visiting several Baltic states to garner support.
Mr Sunak emphasised that the UK recognises Ukrainian “security is our security”.
He added: “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.”
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