Thank you for contacting me about UK military support for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian people are valiantly fighting to defend their lands and loved ones. They have endured indiscriminate bombardment, war crimes, and overwhelming military aggression but they have stood firm, galvanised the international community, and fiercely resisted the Russian invasion, beating them back in the north and the north-east. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the defensive weaponry they need to defend their country.
If President Putin wins in Ukraine, it will be disastrous for Ukrainians, but it would also make us more vulnerable. Inaction on our part would send a message to Putin and other authoritarian leaders that they can get away with achieving their goals using brutal military force. UK support for Ukraine is, therefore, in our joint interest.
As the Defence Secretary has explained, UK support has been tailored to the anticipated actions of Russia and based on requests from the Ukrainian Government. To date, the MOD has provided in excess of 10,000 anti-tank missiles, six air defence systems, 200 armoured fighting vehicles, Sea King search and rescue helicopters, maritime Brimstone missiles, three million rounds of small arms ammunition, and 4.5 tonnes of plastic explosives.
At the beginning of June, the MOD confirmed that it would additionally provide long-range artillery capabilities, comprising three M270 multiple launch rocket systems, associated munitions and requisite training. The decision came at the request of the Ukrainian Government for longer range precision weapons to defend against Russian heavy artillery and was taken in tandem with the US.
This has been complemented by the provision of over 200,000 pieces of non-lethal aid, including body armour, range finders, medical equipment, communications equipment and ear defenders, and we will continue to supply such items as required. For instance, the Defence Secretary confirmed in
September that the UK further our the provision of urgent non-lethal assistance such as clothing, shelters, generators, fuel trucks and ambulances, ahead of the winter.
In addition, the UK will donate cutting-edge air defence missiles to Ukraine which can help protect against missile strikes. The AMRAAM rockets are the first donated by the UK which are capable of shooting down cruise missiles and will help to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure following a brutal series of Russian strikes. Bolstering Ukraine’s air defences has been and remains a priority for UK military support.
Leading up to the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the MOD announced its most significant package of combat power to date to accelerate Ukrainian success. This includes: a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks with armoured recovery and repair vehicles, AS90 guns, a manoeuvre support package, including minefield breaching and bridging capabilities worth £28 million, and dozens more unscrewed aerial systems worth £20 million to support Ukrainian artillery.
If the Ukrainian forces are to have the best chance of survival on the frontline, however, it is essential to ensure that they are not only properly equipped, but properly trained. That is why the UK has initiated a major training operation for Ukrainian forces, with the potential to train up to 10,000 soldiers every 120 days. Using battle-proven British Army expertise, our training offer is already making a difference to Ukraine’s combat effectiveness and it will continue for as long as Ukraine wishes.
I am proud that HM Government continues to provide substantial military assistance to Ukraine, thus far totalling £2.3 billion - making the UK the second-largest donor in the world - and is using Britain's influential position on the world stage to push for sustained long-term support from the international community. In line with this, I firmly welcome that the Prime Minister has spoken with President Zelenskyy to underline the UK's steadfast support for his country.
Be assured that this Government is committed to match or exceed last year's funding for military aid to Ukraine in 2023, and will continue to build on recent donations with training and further gifting of equipment.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.