Rishi Sunak announces air defence package for Ukraine on first visit to Kyiv
Kyiv (Ukraine), November 20: United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a £50 million air defence package for Ukraine. He made the announcement during his first visit to Kyiv since taking office on November 19.
Sunak informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit that the UK will provide Ukraine with an air defence package that includes 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology. He emphasised that the air defence package will protect Ukraine from Russian strikes and assist in combating "Iranian-supplied drones."
"Meeting President Zelenskyy, he confirmed that the UK will provide a major new package of air defence to help protect Ukrainian civilians and critical national infrastructure from an intense barrage of Russian strikes," statement released by UK Prime Minister's Office read.
"The £50 million package of defence aid comprises 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian-supplied drones, including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability," it added.
The PM's office noted in the statement that the announcement comes on the heels of more than 1,000 new anti-air missiles announced earlier this month by the UK's Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace.
Sunak described his visit to Kyiv as "deeply humbling," and vowed that Britain will continue to support Ukrainians in their fight. Before meeting first responders at a fire station, Rishi Sunak laid flowers at a war memorial and lit a candle at a Holodomor famine memorial.
Rishi Sunak said, "I am proud of how the UK stood with Ukraine from the very beginning. And I am here today to say the UK and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine, as it fights to end this barbarous war and deliver a just peace."
"While Ukraine's armed forces succeed in pushing back Russian forces on the ground, civilians are being brutally bombarded from the air. We are today providing new air defence, including anti-aircraft guns, radar and anti-drone equipment, and stepping up humanitarian support for the cold, hard winter ahead," he added.
- ANI
