UK to provide Ukraine with 6,000 defensive missiles, GBP 25 mln aid
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge Allies to ensure Ukrainians have the means to continue to protect themselves at the NATO and G7 summits to be held on Thursday, the British government said in a statement.
"The UK will provide 6,000 new defensive missiles and £25 million for Ukraine’s armed forces," the government said.
According to the government, leaders meeting in Brussels are expected to discuss longer-term military, diplomatic and humanitarian support for Ukraine and strengthening measures against Russia, while Johnson will announce a major new support package for Ukraine.
According to the statement, the measures announced today include 6,000 missiles, consisting of anti-tank and high explosive weapons, and GBP 25 million in financial backing for the Ukrainian military. This more than doubles the defensive lethal aid provided to date to more than 10,000 missiles, and comes on top of the GBP 400 million the UK has committed in humanitarian and economic aid for the crisis.
The Prime Minister will set out the UK’s intention to work with partners to bolster Ukraine's defence capabilities, including longer-range targeting and intelligence, as the Ukrainian people face down an unprovoked invasion.
In addition, the UK will also provide an additional GBP 4.1 million for the BBC World Service as part of a cross-government effort to tackle disinformation in Russia and Ukraine, as well as new financial and policing support for the International Criminal Court's investigation into war crimes.
"We cannot and will not stand by while Russia grinds Ukraine's towns and cities into dust. The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight," Prime Minister Johnson said.
According to the statement, the GBP 25 million in new non-ODA funding from the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund will help to pay the salaries of Ukrainian soldiers, pilots and police and ensure the armed forces are well equipped with high-quality equipment.
The Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, will also chair a meeting of justice and foreign ministers in The Hague today to coordinate support for the International Criminal Court's war crimes investigations. The Deputy Prime Minister is expected to announce an additional GBP 1 million in funding for the court, as well as new support from UK soldiers with expertise in intelligence gathering and the Met Police's War Crimes Team.