London is aiming to provide Ukraine with substantial quantities of artillery rounds.
The current British administration is ramping up its assistance to Ukraine and has declared additional weapon deliveries for the year. It's reported that self-propelled howitzers and anti-aircraft missiles have already been sent to the country. The UK assures it will stand by Kyiv as long as needed, according to statements made.
During Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Kyiv, London announced additional weapon deliveries. There's also set to be an increase in financial support.
According to a Foreign Office statement, some of these weapon deliveries have already been shipped to Ukraine. These include anti-aircraft missiles, gear for F-16 fighter jets, military boats, naval guns, and AS90 self-propelled howitzers. Germany recently announced it would deliver an additional 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000s to Kyiv as well.
Defence Minister Healey has now announced plans to provide hundreds more anti-aircraft missiles, tens of thousands of artillery shells, and additional armored vehicles to Ukraine by the year's end. Healey mentioned that this aid is crucial in response to Russia's indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure, often far from the battlefront. "The defense of Britain and Europe starts in Ukraine," he stated. The UK promises to assist the country as long as needed.
Around 290 million euros have been set aside for "immediate humanitarian needs, energy, and support for reforms and reconstruction," as per London. Furthermore, the UK intends to provide credit guarantees worth around 439 million euros for World Bank loans before the year's end. This is aimed at supporting "vital public services, such as school and hospital maintenance, civil servant salaries, and pension financing."
Ukraine had hoped that the visits of Foreign Minister Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken would lead to approval for long-range weapon attacks on Russian territory. However, no such announcements were made.
The European Union has been actively supporting Ukraine's defense, with Germany pledging additional Panzerhaubitze 2000s. The UK, as part of the European Union's collective effort, has promised to continue delivering weapons and providing financial aid to Ukraine.
