Britain announces new aid package for Ukraine: What it includes
Britain announces new aid package for Ukraine
During his visit to Odesa, the new British Defense Secretary John Healey announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine. It will include Brimstone precision missiles, ammunition, and artillery pieces.
Healy promised to increase support for Ukraine 48 hours after his appointment. Thus, after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and talks with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, he announced a new military aid package for the country.
It is known that the new military aid package includes:
- A quarter of a million rounds of 50-caliber ammunition;
- 90 Brimstone anti-tank missiles;
- 50 small military boats to support river and coastal operations;
- 40 demining vehicles;
- 10 AS-90 artillery pieces;
- 61 bulldozers for the construction of defensive positions;
- support for previously donated AS-90s, including 32 new barrels and critical spare parts that will help Ukraine produce another 60,000 155-mm shells.
The government website noted that during the visit, which coincided with Ukraine's annual Navy Day celebrations, the Defense Secretary confirmed that the new government in Westminster would strengthen the UK's continued commitment to Ukraine.
"There may have been a change in government, but the UK is united for Ukraine. As the new Defense Secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain’s support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid. This government is steadfast in our commitment to continue supplying military assistance and will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends for as long as it takes," Healey said.
In addition, the British defense secretary instructed government officials to accelerate the military aid package promised in April and ensure its full delivery to Ukraine within the next 100 days.
In April of this year, the UK announced the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, including 400 vehicles, 1,600 strike and anti-aircraft missiles, including additional Storm Shadow long-range precision guided missiles, 4 million rounds of ammunition and 60 ships, including raiding ships.
According to Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, F-16s will be delivered to Ukraine in the short term. He did not name the exact dates, as the country does not want to make Putin wiser than he already is.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that according to Estonian President Alar Karis, Ukraine will be a NATO member and this is not being discussed. He noted that the country's movement towards the North Atlantic Alliance is irreversible.
