The UK has announced it will supply Ukraine with an additional 650 short-range missiles as part of a new aid package designed to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
This announcement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an urgent appeal for further international support at a defense summit held at Ramstein air base in Germany.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the aid Ukraine has already received but called on Western allies to approve the use of long-range missiles on targets within Russia.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey, attending the summit, revealed the £162 million aid package, which includes more Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs).
Healey emphasized that the new support would significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and demonstrated the UK’s commitment to stepping up its assistance.
Despite this, Prof Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, cautioned that the missiles might be depleted within a few months due to the intense conflict.
He stressed that Ukraine needs a broader range of support to counter the ongoing Russian advances and bombardments.
The LMMs, produced by Thales, are lightweight, precision-guided, and have a range exceeding 6km, minimizing collateral damage.
In July, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged £3 billion annually to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
To date, the UK has committed £12.7 billion in aid, including £7.6 billion for military support.
Zelensky’s visit to Ramstein follows a recent Russian missile attack on Poltava, Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people.
During the summit, Zelensky urged allies to ensure that support packages are quickly deployed to the battlefield.
He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s success hinges on the situation in the Donetsk region, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective support.
In addition to the UK’s contribution, the United States has pledged a further $250 million in military aid.
Zelensky also renewed his call for Western allies to approve the use of long-range missiles on Russian territory, asserting that this capability is crucial for ending the conflict.
While the UK has affirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defense, including operations within Russia, it has not authorized the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles beyond Ukraine’s recognized borders.
Similarly, while the US has provided long-range missiles, these have not been approved for strikes inside Russia.
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