The UK will send more missiles to boost Ukraine air defences’ capability after Russia launched a wave of air strikes overnight, the government has said.
The Ministry of Defence said about 200 weapons would be provided.
At least 28 people were killed after a wave of Russian strikes across the country, Ukrainian officials said.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the package “sends an undeniable message” that Britain is “absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine”.
Mr Shapps branded the wave of attacks – which Ukraine’s military said comprised 158 missiles and drones targeting a number of cities simultaneously – “murderous”.
He suggested they were “a desperate and futile attempt to regain momentum after the catastrophic loss of hundreds of thousands of conscripts and ahead of the humiliation of his three-day war entering a third calendar year.”
The defence secretary said the package would restock Ukraine air defences’ UK-gifted systems capable of striking down Russian drones and missiles with “incredible accuracy”.
The delivery is intended to protect civilians and infrastructure from drones and bombing.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the UK has now supplied a squadron of battle-ready Challenger 2 tanks, three batteries of self-propelled AS90 guns, hundreds of armoured and protected vehicles, as well as long-range precision strike capability in the form of Storm Shadow cruise missiles and long-range attack drones.
In addition to the support for Ukraine air defences,thousands of rounds of ammunition and anti-tank missiles provided to Ukraine by the UK, November marked 30,000 recruits having passed through Operation Interflex – the programme of training delivered to Ukrainian recruits on UK soil.
Including specialised training delivered by the UK to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, such as training of Ukrainian marines, explosive ordnance disposal experts, and combat air pilots, the UK has now trained more than 53,000 Ukrainians since Putin first ordered the invasion of Crimea in 2014.
The Defence Secretary previously announced an ambition to train an additional 10,000 recruits in the first half of 2024.
UK military support to Ukraine has seen a total commitment of £4.6bn, with the £2.3bn set aside for FY23/24 covering up until the end of the financial year. The Prime Minister has expressed his intent to continue support for Ukraine in 2024.
Read Also: Ukraine’s F-16 pilots training with UK’s Royal Air Force
Main Image: A Starstreak surface-to-air missile system as being provided to Ukraine (UK MoD Crown copyright/PA)
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