The UK has announced plans to send hundreds more short-range missiles to Ukraine, worth £162 million, to support the country’s air defenses. This move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeals for further military aid to counter Russian advances.
“We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on Russian territory,” Zelensky said, emphasizing the need for Western allies to authorize the use of long-range missiles to attack targets within Russia.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the new package, saying it would give an “important boost” to Ukraine’s air defenses and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to “stepping up” its support.
However, Prof Michael Clark, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, cautioned that the supply would likely be “exhausted within a couple of months” given the intensity of Russian advances and bombardments.
Zelensky also stressed the urgency of delivering aid, saying, “It’s important that every support package that is announced is promptly put to work on the battlefield without any delay. The fighting in the Donetsk region depends on this.”
The UK has committed a total of £12.7 billion to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, including £7.6 billion in military support. The US has also pledged an additional $250 million in military aid.