The UK government has announced it will send more air defense missiles to Ukraine following a series of airstrikes by Russia. The Ministry of Defence said it would provide around 200 weapons to help protect civilians and infrastructure from bombing and drones. At least 30 people were killed and more than 160 injured in what has been described as the biggest wave of attacks since the war began. Ukraine’s military said it included 158 missiles and drones targeting a number of cities simultaneously.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps branded the strikes “murderous” and called them “a desperate and futile attempt” by Russia to regain momentum in the war. He said the UK was “absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine” and that the package of air defense missiles sent an “undeniable message.” The advanced short-range air-to-air missiles will be launched from aircraft, and the UK has already supplied battle-ready tanks, guns, armored vehicles, and long-range precision strike capability, totaling £4.6bn.
Questions have been raised about whether Western support for Ukraine is wavering after nearly three years of war there and a new conflict in the Middle East. The most recent tranche of support from the US has been approved, but further packages need fresh approval from Congress. There has also been disagreement among European countries about aid for Ukraine, with Hungary blocking a £43bn (€50bn) EU aid package earlier this month.
Mr Shapps called on the West “to come together and redouble our efforts to get Ukraine what they need to win” against Russian barbarity. He said Putin was testing Ukraine’s defences and the West’s resolve, but that Putin was wrong. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged western allies to provide the country with more air defences to protect itself against such aerial attacks. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the country to “stand with Ukraine – for as long as it takes” and not let Putin undermine democracy and freedom
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