UK to send hundreds more missiles to Ukraine

The UK has announced a significant increase in military support for Ukraine, including the dispatch of hundreds of additional short-range missiles. This decision comes ahead of a crucial summit at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed for authorization to use Western-supplied weapons to target sites deep within Russia.

At the summit, which commenced on Friday, Zelensky made a fervent appeal for increased military assistance. He highlighted the urgent need for aid, especially in the eastern Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces are facing intense Russian attacks. Zelensky’s request for expanded strike capabilities was a key topic, as he urged international allies to permit Ukraine to use advanced weapons against targets beyond its borders.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who is attending the summit, confirmed a new £162 million aid package that includes 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This latest support is intended to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses and reflects the UK’s commitment to intensifying its assistance. Healey emphasized that this package would provide a crucial “boost” to Ukraine’s defense capabilities, demonstrating the UK’s resolve to increase its support for the Ukrainian effort.

However, some experts, such as Professor Michael Clark, the former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, have expressed concerns about the sustainability of the support.  it was noted that the newly supplied missiles might be depleted within a few months, given the high demand for military resources due to the ongoing conflict. He stressed that Ukraine requires “more of everything” to counter the escalating intensity of Russian offensives and bombardments.

The Lightweight Multirole Missiles, known for their precision and minimal collateral damage, have a range exceeding 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). They are designed to provide targeted support and have already been delivered in significant quantities to Ukraine. This new shipment represents part of the UK’s broader commitment to Ukraine, which has seen a total of £12.7 billion in aid since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. This includes £7.6 billion allocated specifically for military support.

In addition to the UK’s contribution, the United States, Ukraine’s largest military backer, has pledged a further $250 million (£189.9 million) in military aid. This comes on the heels of a recent Russian missile strike on Poltava, Ukraine, which tragically resulted in at least 51 casualties.

During his visit to Ramstein, Zelensky underscored the urgency of implementing support packages without delay, emphasizing the impact on the ongoing conflict in Donetsk. He stated, “It’s important that every support package that is announced is promptly put to work on the battlefield without any delay. The fighting in the Donetsk region depends on this—if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin does not achieve anything here, he will not achieve anything anywhere.”

A significant part of Zelensky’s appeal at the summit was his call for Western allies to authorize the use of long-range missiles for strikes on targets within Russia. He argued that such measures are essential for bringing about a resolution to the conflict. Zelensky directly challenged the current policies, stating, “Now we hear that your long-range policy has not changed. We think it is wrong that there are such steps. We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on Russian territory.”

The UK has previously affirmed Ukraine’s “clear right” to use British-provided weapons for self-defense, which does not explicitly restrict operations within Russian territory. However, the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles for attacks beyond Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders remains a contentious issue. The US has also supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine earlier this year, but these have not been authorized for use against targets inside Russia.

As international discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing the provision of military support with the strategic goals of Ukraine and its allies, navigating the complexities of international law and military engagement.