The UK's newly appointed defence minister, John Healey, committed on Sunday to providing additional artillery guns, ammunition, and missiles to Ukraine, emphasizing London's continuous support during a visit to the southern city of Odesa. Healey, who was appointed by the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, was in the port city, often targeted by Russian missile and drone attacks, on his inaugural international trip.
"Despite a change in government, the UK stands united for Ukraine," Healey stated, as per a release from the British defence ministry. Healey promised a fresh aid package comprising artillery guns, 250,000 rounds of ammunition, de-mining vehicles, small military boats, missiles, and other equipment, according to the ministry.
In Odesa, Healey met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. London has been a steadfast supporter of Kyiv since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Zelensky shared a video of Healey placing flowers at a memorial to commemorate Ukraine's Navy Day. He reported briefing Healey and Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, who also assumed the role last week, on the current battlefield situation.
Over the weekend in Kyiv, the Netherlands' Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp pledged to start sending F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine "without delay". Healey also confirmed that a significant UK aid package announced in April would be fully delivered to Ukraine within the next 100 days. Kyiv has frequently expressed concerns over the tardy delivery of Western military supplies, crucial for its undermanned and outgunned forces resisting the Russian invasion.
