UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has confirmed that the country will soon conclude the supply of 1,000 more surface-to-air missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The military assistance seeks to strengthen the Ukrainian troops’ air defence capabilities to shield their key infrastructure from Russian attacks.
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Featuring launchers and missiles, the equipment can eliminate air targets, including drones and cruise missiles.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the missiles can function in combination with the Ukrainians’ existing capabilities.
In relation to training, as many as 1,900 Ukrainian recruits are upgrading their battlefield skills in the UK, with the support of eight allied forces.
The UK-led Operation Interflex has so far completed training nearly 7,400 recruits.
The trained cadets are provided with combat clothing, body armour, ear defence, waterproofs, and sleeping bags, among other necessary items.
A first aid kit is also given to each recruit after being trained on using tourniquets, field dressings, and chest seals.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed an additional 12,000 sleeping kits and 150 heated tents to help Ukrainian troops operate effectively through winter.
More than 25,000 sets of extreme cold weather clothing will also be shipped to the war-torn nation by mid-December this year.
The announcement is also part of the UK’s commitment to Nato.
Prime Minister Sunak said: “Nato is the cornerstone of our security, and the security of our allies. As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, we must not take peace at home for granted.
“We must also continue backing the Ukrainian people in their resistance to Putin’s brutality. I’m pleased that UK-donated kit will be keeping the Ukrainian Armed Forces warm and safe as they face a perilous winter fighting for their country.”
In response, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg lauded the UK’s efforts in equipping Nato patrols with aircraft and ships and supporting Ukraine by training nearly 30,000 soldiers in the last few years.
