Keir Starmer and NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte have pledged to ensure Ukraine is equipped with the necessary military capabilities to sustain its defense efforts. They emphasized the importance of applying additional pressure, including the use of sanctions, to compel Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations. The discussions took place during a meeting at Downing Street amidst Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
A spokesperson from Downing Street highlighted the leaders’ focus on providing Ukraine with essential military support to bolster its defense capabilities. The integration of US assistance into the Coalition of the Willing’s strategy was discussed positively; however, they stressed the need for increased pressure, including sanctions, to prompt meaningful engagement from Putin in peace talks.
In related developments, Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the UK-led international fund for supplying military equipment to Ukraine has exceeded £2 billion. He emphasized the need for accelerated support for Ukraine as Russia escalates its offensive actions, despite invitations from US President Donald Trump for peace talks with Putin.
Healey recently chaired the 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, a coalition of over 50 nations coordinating military aid for Ukraine. He underscored the importance of enhancing military support for Ukraine in response to Putin’s heightened aggression. The UK has already provided substantial aid, including ammunition, artillery, and defense systems, with plans to deliver attack drones in the near future.
Additionally, British instructors have conducted specialized training for Ukrainian personnel on mobile air defense systems, further enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities. The UK previously supplied Stormer vehicles equipped with Starstreak anti-air missile launchers, enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The recent training aimed to equip Ukrainian soldiers with the necessary skills to operate these advanced systems effectively.
These efforts reflect the ongoing commitment of international allies to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.