Before travelling to Poland on Tuesday, he warned that Vladimir Putin “will not stop at the Polish border” if he wins the war, meaning the security of the whole continent is at stake.
Downing Street said the package was the single biggest donated in terms of both individual pieces of equipment and the breadth of weaponry covering land, sea and air.
The provision of four million rounds of small arms ammunition will almost double the UK’s contribution since the start of the war, over two years ago, from six million to 10 million bullets.
It includes more than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, with the Prime Minister also pledging to supply more long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which Ukraine has used to devastating effect against Moscow’s military.
Russia has deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure including power stations with rocket attacks, in an attempt to bring the Ukrainian population to its knees.
Earlier this month, it used a missile barrage to destroy the Trypilska thermal power plant, which supplied much of the power to Kyiv.
Mr Sunak said on Monday night: “Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border.
“Ukraine’s armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support and they need it now. Today’s package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia.
“The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security, defending our national interest and standing by our Nato allies.”
Alongside the missiles, the aid package will also contain British-made attack drones and more than 400 military vehicles including 160 husky protected patrol cars.
Britain is donating 60 boats to help the Ukrainian armed forces on the water including offshore raiding craft and dive boats, as well as maritime guns.
‘Barbaric assault’
Mr Sunak’s spokesman said all the equipment had been specifically requested by Kyiv, which “faces a difficult summer as Russia continues to ramp up its barbaric assault”.
“They have asked and we have answered. New weaponry will be procured and delivered as quickly as possible,” he said.
“The UK continues to play a central role in European defence and security in the face of growing global threats and an expansionist Russia.”
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
