Britain to send long-range missiles to Ukraine after Russia hits Kyiv
The UK is to send its first long-range missiles to Ukraine after Russia struck the outskirts of Kyiv for the first time since April.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Britain will send an unspecified number of M270 launchers, which can fire precision-guided rockets up to 50 miles – a longer range than any missile technology currently in use in the war.
“The UK stands with Ukraine in this fight and is taking a leading role in supplying its heroic troops with the vital weapons they need to defend their country from unprovoked invasion,” Mr Wallace said in a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“If the international community continues its support, I believe Ukraine can win.
“As Russia’s tactics change, so must our support to Ukraine. These highly capable multiple-launch rocket systems will enable our Ukrainian friends to better protect themselves against the brutal use of long-range artillery, which (Vladimir) Putin’s forces have used indiscriminately to flatten cities.”
Ukrainian troops will be trained in the UK to use the equipment, he added.
Boris Johnson said the systems will help Ukraine “effectively repel the continuing Russian onslaught”.
“We cannot stand by while Russian long-range artillery flattens cities and kills innocent civilians,” the Prime Minister said.
