UK to Send 650 Missiles to Ukraine Amid Urgent Pleas for Air Defense Support
September 6, 2024The UK is set to supply Ukraine with 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), valued at approximately £162 million ($213 million), to bolster its air defense capabilities.
This announcement comes from UK Defense Minister John Healey during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the US Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany.
Healey noted that the new missile supply is expected to arrive in Ukraine by the end of the year, emphasizing the importance of timely support in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine has been urgently requesting expedited delivery of air defense systems to counter ongoing missile and drone strikes from Russia.
The Ukrainian military reported that recent Russian attacks involved a cruise missile, an air-to-ground missile, and 44 drones, with 27 drones shot down.
Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the UK has committed a total of £12.7 billion in aid to Ukraine, including £7.6 billion for military support.
Western nations have been providing substantial military aid to Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russia's aggressive war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the Ramstein meeting to personally request additional military support from allies.
Zelensky has emphasized the necessity of military aid to reclaim Ukrainian territory, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France's support for Ukraine, condemning Russia's recent escalation of attacks.
Healey stressed the importance of international partnership, asserting that the security of the UK and Europe begins with the support for Ukraine.
In preparation for a government reshuffle, Ukraine's parliament accepted the resignation of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and other ministers.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
BBC News • Sep 6, 2024
UK to send hundreds of short-range missiles to UkraineThe Telegraph • Sep 6, 2024
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Britain to send 650 air defence missiles to KyivFRANCE 24 • Sep 5, 2024
🔴 Live: UK to supply Ukraine with hundreds of new missiles