The UK’s military assistance to Ukraine can be viewed from various dimensions. During the second summit of the European political community in Moldova, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserted that Ukraine’s “rightful place” is within NATO. He further revealed that discussions were underway between the UK and Ukraine to ensure that all necessary support is provided for a successful Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russia. In light of this, it is essential to examine the rationale behind the UK’s military aid to Ukraine as well as the measures implemented by Sunak’s government to bolster Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression.
UK military support for Ukraine
Since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the UK has been providing military assistance to Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted that the country had supplied long-range weaponry to Ukraine and was the first to deliver main battle tanks to Kyiv. Sunak further emphasised the UK’s commitment to establishing long-term security arrangements for Ukraine, aimed at sending a strong message to Vladimir Putin that the UK is steadfast in its support for Ukraine. “We want to ensure that Ukraine knows it can count on us,” said Sunak, “and that Putin understands that we are here for the long haul.”
Western indifference to Moscow’s security concerns
UK military support for Ukraine is increasing day by day. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly wrote on Twitter: “Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO.” The war in Ukraine, which has been over a year since its beginning, was triggered by the West’s inattention to Moscow’s security concerns and the expansion of NATO forces near the borders of Russia. Moscow attacked Ukraine after ignoring its security concerns from the West, especially the US.
Permanent support of the international community to Ukraine against Russia
During a meeting with the President of Ukraine, the UK Prime Minister’s office reaffirmed London’s commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily until it achieves victory over Russia. A statement released by Sunak’s office following the meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan described the visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a historic moment and emphasised the international community’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The statement further underscored the UK’s unwavering stance against Russian aggression, stating that the UK will continue to stand with Ukraine until the conflict is resolved.
The statement adds: “The Prime Minister will use these gatherings to push for sustained international support for Ukraine, both in terms of military aid and long-term security assurances.” According to the statement, Sunak also briefed Zelenskyy on the G7 leaders’ conversation about new sanctions against Russia and sending advanced fighter jets to Kyiv. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, who visited the UK during an unannounced program, the UK Prime Minister promised to send hundreds of defence missiles and unmanned aerial systems, including hundreds of new long-range offensive drones with more than 200 kilometres, to the front.
New British sanctions against Russia
When asked about the prospects of the war in Ukraine ending next year, the UK Prime Minister emphasised that Russia needs to understand the unwavering commitment of the UK and other countries to support Ukraine, not just in the short term but also for the long haul. Sunak reiterated the need for Russia to recognise the collective resolve of the international community to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself against Russian aggression.
In line with its firm stance against Moscow, the UK has imposed new sanctions on individuals and organisations affiliated with Russia’s energy, metals, defence, transportation, and financial sectors. This action underscores the UK’s determination to hold Russia accountable for its actions and support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
The possibility of setting up a weapons factory in Ukraine by the UK
Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, the UK has become an active player in this battle, and adopting anti-Russian positions, sending weapons and military equipment, and imposing sanctions against Russia have fueled tensions and conflicts. At the same time the tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, an English publication reported that the President of Ukraine and the managers of the British defence industry giant, “BAE Systems,” are discussing setting up a weapons manufacturing plant in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy seeks to create an arsenal of weapons.
The Standard British publication wrote that Volodymyr Zelenskyy wanted to create an arsenal of weapons for the Kyiv front. During his speech, he said: “I spoke with representatives of the powerful British defence company BAE Systems. This is a truly large-scale weapons manufacturer – the weapons that we need now and will need in the future to ensure the security of our country and the entire region.” The President of Ukraine added: “We are working to create an appropriate base for production and repair in Ukraine. We are talking about a wide range of weapons: from tanks to artillery.”
Ukraine seeks to localise military weapons.
Saying that “We will provide Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, with this new foundation of strength,” Zelenskyy added: “We are ready to become a major regional hub for the repair and production of various types of products of BAE Systems and are interested in making our relations more global.” According to the report of the Standard, the CEO of BAE Systems also announced the company’s readiness to open a new representative office in Ukraine.
Intensification of Ukrainian drone attacks against Russia
These developments occur while Ukraine’s drone attacks against Russia have recently intensified. A day after Russia accused Ukraine of drone strikes on buildings in Moscow, the governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region said another drone strike was the likely cause of a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery. Attacks on military and civilian centres in Russia have received global attention and have brought reactions. The chief spokesperson of the EU asked the Kremlin to refrain from retaliatory action yesterday.
New UK King Announces Support for Ukraine
The King of the UK visited Germany on his first foreign trip after cancelling his visit to France due to widespread protests and announced that both countries would continue to support Ukraine. It was the monarch’s first trip abroad in his new role before his coronation on May 6. For Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal President of Germany, this is a tremendous personal gesture and a vital sign of the relationship between the UK and Germany.
UK and Germany’s explicit support for Ukraine
During his state visit to Germany, British King Charles expressed his commitment to supporting Ukraine, with both countries working in partnership towards this goal. Speaking at a state banquet hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Charles highlighted the importance of looking towards the future and identifying ways in which the UK and Germany can collaborate on issues such as climate change, trade and investment opportunities, and arts and culture. He also underscored the shared democratic values that bind the two nations together.
In his own speech at the banquet, Steinmeier paid tribute to the deep ties between Germany and the UK and emphasised their joint efforts to protect and advance these common values. Through their ongoing collaboration, both countries are committed to standing together in support of Ukraine and its struggle against Russian aggression.
Persistent Military Aid to Ukraine amidst Economic Crisis
The UK is the largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the US. Last year, London provided nearly $3 billion in military aid to Kyiv. According to the statistics published by the UK government, 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained in the UK so far, and 20,000 more troops are to be trained in addition to the pilots. The British media often blamed this country’s government for continuously sending weapons to Ukraine despite the economic crisis.
