UK in talks with Ukraine to supply missiles as Russia threatens gas link

‘Russia’s gas line would divert supplies from Ukraine with significant security implications’

BRITAIN could sell missiles to Ukraine for the first time, after it emerged last night that the two countries were discussing the supply of arms.

The Ministry of Defence is in talks with its Ukrainian counterparts about the supply of surface-to-surface maritime Brimstone missiles and airto-surface missiles according to a report in The Times.

A Ukrainian ministry of defence source told the paper that the missile sale would represent the first time that Britain had sold weapons to the nation.

The missiles are designed by MBDA UK, which is based in France, but the UK is involved in the manufacturing and design of the weapons.

The proposed deal comes amid concerns that Russia could exploit the gas crisis shortage to seize more Ukrainian territory. Ukraine currently acts as a transit for Russia’s gas, but if the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea becomes operational, President Vladimir Putin will no longer be reliant on Kiev to supply fuel to Europe, putting the country at risk of further hostile Russian action.

Downing Street has previously raised concerns about the impact Nord Stream 2 would have on Ukraine.

Earlier in the month a spokesman for Number 10 said: “Ukraine currently hosts the largest existing pipeline network for Russian gas, and transit fees have historically made up a significant proportion of Ukraine’s GDP.

“Nord Stream 2 would divert supplies away from Ukraine, with significant consequences for its economy.

“It could also have significant security implications.”