Kyiv:
Britain is ready to increase Ukraine’s military power with a new aid package. A new aid package has been announced. Which includes naval drones, air defense systems and artillery. British Defense Secretary John Haley gave this information. Training for Ukrainian troops under Operation Interflex, a UK-led multinational military operation, will continue into 2025, regardless of any progress in Ukraine’s peace process or a possible ceasefire. Haley said these things in an interview with the Ukrainian state Ukrainform news agency on Wednesday.
Haley said that three years after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, the depth of his misgivings is clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unwavering spirit. But that cannot be done alone.
He said that Britain’s support for Kiev is unwavering and Britain will always stand shoulder to shoulder against Putin. In July the new Labor government pledged to provide Ukraine with £3 billion of military aid per year from 2030–2031. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that the new package would include £92 million for equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones and unmanned surface ships.
According to Xinhua news agency, he said it was too early to publicly discuss the possibility of British support for the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Local media reported that Haley arrived in Kiev earlier on Wednesday and that same day Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umarov wrote on Facebook that he planned to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, ensure uninterrupted supplies of artillery ammunition and explore joint defense projects. Talked to Haley about it.
He said the use of Storm Shadow missiles and further training of new brigades of the Ukrainian army were also discussed. Apart from this, 68 million pounds will be used for air defense equipment including radar and 1 thousand counter-drone electronic warfare systems will be supplied to the Ukrainian Army at a cost of 39 million pounds.
Haley said Britain would also promote a training program for Ukrainian troops run with key allies on British soil, known as Operation Interflex, which has trained 51,000 recruits since mid-2022.
Umerov thanked Britain for its support and said that a steady supply of ammunition, especially for artillery, is extremely important for our defense efforts.
He said the two men had reviewed the consequences of the use of Storm Shadow missiles, but did not provide details. Let us tell you that in November, London gave the green signal to Kiev to launch long-range missiles supplied by Britain in Russia for the first time.i
