PM vows UK will help fortify Ukraine
PLEDGES TO SUPPLY WHAT’S NEEDED TO PROTECT COUNTRY
BORIS Johnson has said the West will supply Ukraine with the equipment it needs to ensure it can never again be invaded by Russia after holding surprise talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
Following the Prime Minister’s unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital, Downing Street said Britain would be sending 120 armoured vehicles as well as new anti-ship missile systems.
Appearing alongside Mr Zelensky in a recorded broadcast clip, Mr Johnson said the West would continue to “ratchet up” sanctions on Moscow as he praised the courage of the Ukrainian resistance.
“I think the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion,” he said.
“The UK and others (will) supply the equipment, the technology, the knowhow, the intelligence, so that Ukraine will never be invaded again.
“So Ukraine is so fortified and protected that Ukraine can never be bullied again. Never be blackmailed again. Never be threatened in the same way again.”
The latest support package represents a significant stepping up of UK military assistance to Ukraine.
It comes just a day after Mr Johnson announced a further £100m worth of kit for Kyiv, including anti-tank and antiaircraft weaponry and so-called “suicide drones”, which loiter over the battlefield before attacking their target.
The inclusion of the anti-ship missile systems came as British military intelligence said Russian naval forces were continuing to launch cruise missile strikes in support of ground operations in the region.
It follows an urgent appeal by the Ukrainians for more weapons – including armoured vehicles – ahead of an expected Russian offensive on the eastern Donbas region, already part held by
pro-moscow separatists. Mr Johnson said while Russian forces attacking Kyiv had suffered a defeat, their withdrawal was “tactical” as they prepared to refocus their military efforts on the east.
He strongly condemned the “war crimes” being uncovered in the wake of their departure, with scores of bodies of civilians who have been killed being reported by the Ukrainian authorities.
“I think what Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin, his war crimes have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government,” he said.
Mr Zelensky welcomed the UK’S “decisive and significant support” for his country as he urged other Western allies to intensify the pressure on Moscow.
“We have to exert pressure in the form of sanctions. It is time to impose a complete embargo on Russian energy resources. They should increase the amount of weapons being supplied,” he said.
As well as the additional equipment Mr Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional 500 million dollars (£385m) in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking total UK loan guarantees to one billion dollars (£770m).
There were no immediate details of the armoured vehicles being sent, although Defence Secretary Ben Wallace indicated during a visit to Romania on Friday that they would be Mastiff sixwheel-drive patrol vehicles.
According to the latest intelligence assessment by the UK Ministry of Defence, Russian forces were continuing to hit non-military targets like the train station at Kramatorsk.
At least 52 people died and many more were injured when a missile struck the station, which was packed with thousands of women and children seeking to flee westwards. In his nightly video address, Mr Zelensky called on the international community to hold to account the Russian forces responsible.