LONDON – UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced a new military aid package for Ukraine after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in the port city of Odesa on Sunday.
The package includes “more artillery guns, a quarter of a million ammunition rounds, and nearly 100 precision Brimstone missiles,” according to a government statement.
Healey also pledged to fast-track the military support committed to Ukraine in April to ensure its arrival within the next 100 days.
During his visit, which coincided with Ukraine’s annual Navy Day celebrations, Healey emphasized the UK’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine. “There may have been a change in government, but the UK is united for Ukraine,” he said.
“As the new defense secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain’s support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid,” Healey added. “Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue President Vladimir Putin for his war crimes. This government is steadfast in our commitment to continue supplying military assistance and will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends for as long as it takes.”
The aid package includes a quarter of a million rounds of 50-caliber ammunition, 90 Brimstone anti-tank missiles, 50 small military boats for river and coastal operations, 40 de-mining vehicles, 10 AS-90 artillery guns, and 61 bulldozers. It also supports previously gifted AS-90s with 32 new barrels and critical spares to help Ukraine fire an additional 60,000 155mm rounds.
The defense secretary directed officials to ensure the expedited delivery of the military aid package promised in April. This package, announced in April, was the largest ever military aid package to Ukraine and includes 400 vehicles, 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles, four million rounds of ammunition, and 60 boats, including off-shore raiding craft.–News Desk