As the Ukrainian military prepares for the next Russian offensive in the eastern part of the country, the U.S. and United Kingdom continue to send military aid to Kyiv.
In the latest shipment of military aid, the U.K. is sending high-tech anti-aircraft missiles and suicide drones.
More Weapons
The latest package of military aid includes:
-120 armored vehicles
-New anti-ship missiles
-$130m worth of Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles800 anti-tank missiles
-Loitering munitions
-$500 million in World Bank assistance
“The Prime Minister set out new military assistance of 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, to support Ukraine in this crucial phase while Russia’s illegal assault continues. This is in addition to the £100 million worth of high-grade military equipment announced yesterday, including more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles, and high-tech loitering munitions for precision strikes,” the British Ministry of Defense said.
British arms have played a crucial role in stopping the Russian invasion. The Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW) anti-tank weapon deserves particular praise.
The NLAW packs a 150mm high explosive anti-tank warhead and a range of 800 meters. It is very easy to operate and less cumbersome than the U.S.-provided FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile.
But the U.K. isn’t the only country that keeps renewing its military aid to Ukraine. The U.S. has taken the lead in shipments of military aid to the Ukrainian military, with almost $2 billion in security assistance since the war began in late February.
“On April 5th, we announced an additional $100 million in security assistance to Ukraine through a presidential drawdown authority. We also announced $300 million in security assistance on April 1st under authorities provided by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. These announcements bring the U.S. commitment to more than $1.7 billion in security assistance since Russia’s February 24th invasion, and $2.4 billion since the beginning of the administration,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a press briefing.
Boris Johnson in Kyiv
Over the weekend, the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“It is a privilege to be able to travel to Ukraine and meet President Zelenskyy in person in Kyiv today. Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century,” Johnson said.
Following several weeks of uncertainty, Kyiv is starting to reopen as life without Russian troops at the gates restarts. But the Ukrainian capital is still a target of long-range Russian fires.
“It is because of President Zelenskyy’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted. I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run. We are stepping up our own military and economic support and convening a global alliance to bring this tragedy to an end, and ensure Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation,” the British prime minister added.
1945’s New Defense and National Security Columnist, Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
