X, the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, revealed on Tuesday the nation’s intention to boost defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by the decade’s end. This declaration unfolded during a visit to Warsaw, where he also detailed a fresh commitment to furnish weaponry to Ukraine.
He articulated the government’s initiative to mobilize the UK’s defense sector into a state of readiness akin to wartime, characterizing it as the most significant fortification of our national security in a generation. “In a world fraught with peril, more so than any time since the conclusion of the Cold War, we cannot afford complacency,” he asserted during a press briefing in Warsaw, accompanied by NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. “As our adversaries amass, we must fortify our nation, our interests, and our principles.”
The proclamation came on the heels of the UK’s commitment to provide an additional $620 million in fresh military provisions for Ukraine, encompassing long-range missiles and 4 million rounds of ammunition. This pledge arrives amidst Ukraine’s struggle to repel encroaching Russian forces on the eastern front, as the conflict enters its third year.
Sunak engaged in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to affirm this support and “reassure him of the UK’s unwavering backing for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggressive and expansionist aspirations,” according to Sunak’s office.
Prior to his visit, the UK government indicated that Sunak would unveil £500 million ($620 million, 580 million euros) in novel British military provisions, encompassing 400 vehicles, 60 vessels, 1,600 munitions, and 4 million rounds of ammunition. This shipment includes the British Storm Shadow long-range missiles, boasting a reach of approximately 241 kilometers and a track record of precision strikes against Russian targets.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the UK’s continual support, affirming that this fresh military aid would significantly impact ordinary Ukrainians engaged in frontline defense of their homeland,” as stated by Downing Street. Nonetheless, Downing Street refrained from specifying whether the aid would be promptly available for dispatch. Zelenskyy has implored for increased international assistance, cautioning that without it, his nation stands to lose the conflict.
This announcement transpired three days subsequent to the US House of Representatives sanctioning $61 billion in assistance for Ukraine, as American legislators raced to furnish additional US support to their beleaguered ally. The Senate’s vote on this package was anticipated for Tuesday.
Ammunition scarcities over the past half-year have compelled Ukrainian military commanders to ration shells, a vulnerability that Russia has exploited this year, capturing the city of Avdiivka and presently advancing towards Chasiv Yar, located in the eastern Donetsk region.