THE UK Government is sending more weapons to Ukraine to help defensive efforts against Russia’s invasion, the Defence Secretary has confirmed.
Ben Wallace told MPs the Russians are “changing their tactics and so the Ukrainians need to too”, with the UK Government exploring the possible donation of portable anti-air missiles.
He also confirmed to the Commons the UK has delivered 3,615 anti-tank weapons, known as NLAWs, and will shortly be supplying a “small consignment” of Javelin anti-tank missiles.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Wallace highlighted the “horrific devastation” inflicted on civilian areas by Russian artillery and air strikes, describing it as “indiscriminate and murderous”.
He told MPs: “It is vital that Ukraine maintains its ability to fly and to suppress Russian air attack.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson insists number of Ukrainian refugees entering UK to 'rise very sharply'
“To date the international community has donated over 900 manned portable air defence missiles and thousands of anti-tank guided weapons of varying type, as well as various small arms.
“But the capability needs strengthening.
“So, in response to a Ukrainian request, the Government has taken the decision to explore the donation of Starstreak high-velocity manned portable anti-air missiles.
“We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Ukrainian force to better defend their skies.
“We shall also be increasing the supplies of rations, medical equipment and other non-lethal military aid.”
Earlier, the Cabinet minister also confirmed: “On January 17, I announced to the House the Government’s intention to supply military aid to the Ukrainian armed forces.
“The initial supply was to be 2,000 new light anti-tank weapons, smaller arms and ammunition.
“In response to further acts of aggression by Russia we have now increased that supply.
“I can update the House as of today we will have delivered 3,615 NLAWs (anti-tank missiles) and will continue to deliver more.
“We will shortly be starting the delivery of small consignments of anti-tank Javelin missiles as well.”
Mr Wallace stressed the Government is “bound by the decision to supply defensive systems” and not escalate the war.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel