On Friday, Britain announced a substantial increase in military support for Ukraine as Western allies convened at NATO headquarters to mobilise additional weapons and ammunition in response to the ongoing Russian invasion. This commitment follows a coordinated effort with Norway, amounting to over $580 million aimed at supplying Ukraine with essential military resources.
The support package includes the delivery of hundreds of thousands of military drones, advanced radar systems, and anti-tank mines. Additionally, it will encompass repair and maintenance contracts to ensure that Ukrainian armoured vehicles remain operational on the battlefield.
Ahead of the NATO meeting in Brussels, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov emphasised the critical need for enhancing Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. “Ukraine requires a sufficient number of modern systems such as Patriot missile systems,” he stated in a social media post. Umerov highlighted the urgent need for political decisions to facilitate the supply of these systems, which are crucial for protecting Ukrainian cities and lives from Russian ballistic threats. “Our partners possess these systems,” he added.
With the conflict now entering its fourth year, Russian forces maintain an advantage, and Ukrainian officials, alongside military analysts, anticipate the possibility of a renewed Russian offensive in the coming weeks. This escalation could further intensify hostilities and strengthen the Kremlin’s position during ceasefire negotiations.
Friday’s meeting marked the 27th gathering of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, chaired by Britain and Germany. Notably, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was absent from the forum, which has been led by the United States for several years. Although he intended to participate via video link, Hegseth had recently returned from Panama and missed the in-person discussions.
The ongoing conflict has underscored the urgency for Western governments to bolster their support for Ukraine, as the situation continues to evolve with significant military implications. With this latest commitment from Britain and its allies, the international community aims to equip Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend against aggression and to stabilise the region.
Source : AP
