New UK Defence Secretary John Healey pledged to step up support for Ukraine during a visit to Odesa, less than 48 hours after his appointment.
This is stated in a message from the UK government.
Following a meeting with President Zelenskyy and talks with his counterpart, Defence Minister Rustem Umyerov, Healey announced that the UK would provide Ukraine with a new package of support that would include more artillery pieces, a quarter of a million ammunition and around 100 precision-guided Brimstone missiles.
During the visit, which coincided with Ukraine’s celebration of the annual Navy Day, the defence secretary confirmed that the new government at Westminster will strengthen the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
“There may have been changes in the government, but the UK is alone in supporting Ukraine.”
As the new Defence Secretary, I will ensure that we strengthen UK support by increasing the supply of vital military aid.
This government is steadfast in its commitment to continue to provide military assistance and will stand side by side with our Ukrainian friends for as long as necessary,” Healey said.
The new assistance package includes:
a quarter of a million 50-caliber ammunition 90 Brimstone anti-tank missiles 50 small military boats to support riverine and coastal operations 40 mine clearing vehicles 10 AS-90 artillery pieces 61 bulldozers for the construction of defensive positions Support for previously donated AS-90s, including 32 new barrels and critical spare parts that will help Ukraine produce an additional 60,000 155mm rounds.John Healy also instructed government officials to ensure that the military aid package promised in April was expedited and delivered in full to Ukraine within the next 100 days.
In April this year, the UK announced its largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, including 400 vehicles, 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, including additional Storm Shadow long-range precision guided missiles, four million ammunition and 60 boats, including naval vessels. raid ships.