The United Kingdom and Germany just recently pledged major new military assistance to Ukraine as Russia’s war continues. Meanwhile, the U.K. announced a funding package of £450 million (roughly $591 million). That consists of £350 million in direct funding from the U.K. government, with additional sums provided by Norway through the U.K.-led International Fund for Ukraine. This effort is intended to further enhance Ukraine’s security and defense capabilities while the war rages on.
Now, a £450 million active travel package has been announced. Aside from £250 million worth of complex military assets including cutting-edge radar systems and anti-tank command-detonated mines, 200,000+ drones. This huge investment makes concrete the U.K.’s commitment to become a world leader. So far this year, the country has committed £4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
In a separate but simultaneous move, Germany’s defense ministry announced its own large-scale support package — €11 billion worth of military assistance. This includes guided missiles, 100,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 300 reconnaissance drones, 25 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and 15 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks. Germany is sending 120 Manpads ground-based air defence systems and 14 artillery systems. This important contribution is further evidence of the UK’s resolve to strengthen Ukraine’s anti-aerial capabilities.
The real “coalition of the willing”—these 60 nations of course—met again in Brussels Thursday. Together, they celebrated a year of bipartisan efforts to provide additional support to Ukraine. For his part, U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey underlined the coalition’s commitment and long-term planning.
“Our planning for the coalition of the willing is indeed real, substantial, well-advanced,” – John Healey.
U.S. Defence Secretary Mattis made it to the summit by videolink. His participation, however modest, underscores the United States’ continued commitment to support Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reiterated several times that the U.S. is a “prime partner” in the ongoing fight against Russia. He emphasized the robust and enduring partnership between their peoples.
No wonder recent pledges have pushed military assistance to Kyiv to an all time high €21 billion. This support consists of operations and maintenance support from a number of allied nations. Healey underscored the hypocritical contrast between Russia’s professed desire for peace and their active war efforts in Ukraine. These measures are directed against military objectives as well as civilian targets in Ukraine.
“Putin said he wanted peace, but his forces continue to fire on Ukraine, military and civilian targets alike,” – John Healey.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius underlined the importance of sending the message to Russia that Ukraine will not be crushed by intimidation. He said that Europe needs to bear its portion of the burden fuelling Ukraine’s fight to defend itself.
“Russia needs to understand that Ukraine is able to go on fighting, and we will support it,” – Boris Pistorius.
As the situation evolves, the coalition remains focused on providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself against ongoing threats. The U.K. and Germany have gone commendably far. This means a clear joined-up position by Western allies to provide Ukraine with the weaponry it needs to continue its struggle for sovereignty.
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