Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to unveil a historic military assistance package for Ukraine during his visit to Poland. This landmark aid, marking the largest-ever support to Ukraine,
underscores the commitment to bolstering security and stability in the region.
Expected to be announced during his visit are plans for a £500 million boost to Ukraine's military capabilities, along with the provision of crucial munitions. The aid package includes approximately 400 vehicles, 1,600 munitions, and 4 million rounds of ammunition.
Sunak's itinerary includes discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw, focusing on the escalating threat posed by Russia and efforts to fortify European security. Following these talks, Sunak will proceed to Germany for discussions with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
The move comes at a critical juncture as Ukraine confronts an existential threat from Russia's ongoing invasion, posing a significant risk to regional security. The additional £500 million in military funding, bringing the total UK aid to £3 billion for this fiscal year, aims to swiftly address urgent needs such as ammunition, air defense systems, drones, and engineering support.
The Ministry of Defence will dispatch the largest-ever single shipment of equipment from the UK to aid Ukraine's defense efforts across various fronts, encompassing land, sea, and air operations. This comprehensive support includes a diverse array of assets such as boats, missiles, vehicles, and small arms ammunition.
Prime Minister Sunak emphasized the importance of defending Ukraine against Russia's aggressive ambitions, highlighting the broader implications for European security. Stressing the urgency of the situation, Sunak reaffirmed the UK's commitment to standing alongside its allies and supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps underscored the significance of this record military aid package, emphasizing the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine's efforts to repel Russian aggression and restore peace and stability in Europe.
In addition to military assistance, Sunak aims to deepen bilateral ties with Poland across various sectors, including defense and trade. Measures such as offering to deploy an RAF Typhoon Squadron for Nato Air Policing over Poland and tripling UK Export Finance funding for Poland underscore the commitment to strengthening collaboration between the two nations.
The announcement coincides with a significant milestone in UK-Poland relations, marked by a doubling of bilateral trade over the past decade and increased cooperation in various sectors, including energy, defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.
