Rishi Sunak has warned that Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin "won't stop at Poland's border" as he unveiled the UK's largest ever military aid package to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister will travel to Poland and Germany today for crunch talks on the threat from Russia to Ukraine and wider European security. Ahead of the trip, Mr Sunak announced plans for a £500million boost for Ukraine's military efforts, which will be used to rapidly deliver urgently-needed ammunition, air defence, drones and engineering support.
The UK will also provide vital equipment to help Kyiv repel Russian attacks by land, sea and air, including some 400 vehicles, 1,600 munitions and 4 million rounds of ammunition. More than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, as well as additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles, will be given to Ukraine, along with 160 protected mobility ‘Husky’ vehicles, 162 armoured vehicles and 78 all-terrain vehicles.
Rishi Sunak, pictured with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Kyiv urgently needed Britain's support (PA)The package also includes 60 boats, including offshore raiding craft, rigid raiding craft and dive boats as well as maritime guns. It comes after the US House of Representatives finally unlocked a $60billion (£48.5billion) package of military aid for Kyiv amid fears Russia could launch a brutal offensive in June or July.
The Prime Minister said: “Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border. I am in Warsaw today to deepen ties with our Polish partners and commit critical new military support for Ukraine’s defence. Ukraine’s armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support – and they need it now.
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"Today’s package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia. The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security, defending our national interest and standing by our Nato allies.”
Mr Sunak's official spokesman said the UK was responding to pleas for further military kit from Ukraine, which faces a "difficult summer" if Russia steps up its aggression further.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This record package of military aid will give President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy and his brave nation more of the kit they need to kick Putin out and restore peace and stability in Europe. The UK was the first to provide NLAW missiles, the first to give modern tanks and the first to send long-range missiles.
“Now, we are going even further. We will never let the world forget the existential battle Ukraine is fighting, and with our enduring support, they will win.”
On his visit, Mr Sunak will hold talks with Polish PM Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw, before travelling to Berlin to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
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