UK PM Sunak Pledges £500m Extra Aid to Ukraine In Defence Against Russia

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged additional financial assistance to support Ukraine’s defence efforts as he arrived in Poland for crucial talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The UK government announced an extra £500 million in aid to Kyiv, in addition to the £2.5 billion already allocated for this financial year. 

Sunak aims to emphasise the UK’s commitment to defending Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.

Following his meeting in Poland, Sunak is scheduled to travel to Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday. 

Sunak expressed the importance of standing united against Russian aggression, highlighting the potential threat posed to Europe’s security if Ukraine falls. With a shared border of 300 miles between Ukraine and Poland, Sunak stressed the need for collective action to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.

The UK’s focus on providing additional support to Ukraine includes the delivery of military equipment, including over 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, as well as more than 400 vehicles and nearly four million rounds of ammunition. The £500 million in funding will also be directed towards drones manufactured in the UK.

During the visit, the UK will offer to deploy an RAF squadron to conduct NATO policing operations in Poland’s airspace next year, reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to regional security.

The discussions in Poland and subsequent meetings in Berlin highlight the ongoing concern over Russia’s actions in Europe. 

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives has approved a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine, signaling bipartisan support for bolstering Kyiv’s defense capabilities.

NATO has also pledged to provide Ukraine with advanced air defense systems following urgent pleas from Kyiv and in response to deadly Russian attacks. 

Chioma Kalu

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