By KYIV. Dec 19 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The UK plans to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces with artillery ammunition in the amount of GBP 250 million in 2023, the press service of the government of the United Kingdom reports.
As noted in the statement, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will arrive in Latvia on Monday, December 19 for a meeting with representatives of the countries of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in order to discuss ongoing efforts to counter Russian aggression in the Northern and Baltic regions.
Sunak is expected to call on JEF leaders to maintain or increase support for Ukraine in 2022 through continued military assistance, in particular the provision of lethal weapons, as well as economic and political support.
His call will come as the UK announces it will supply hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition next year, under a GBP 250 million contract that will ensure a constant flow of critical artillery ammunition to Ukraine throughout 2023.
The UK is already Europe’s leading provider of defensive aid to Ukraine, including sending Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and recently, 125 anti-aircraft guns. We have also provided more than 100,000 rounds of ammunition since February, with the deliveries directly linked to successful operations to retake territory in Ukraine.
"From the Arctic Circle to the Isle of Wight, the UK and our European allies have been in lockstep in our response to the invasion of Ukraine, and we remain steadfast in our ambition for peace in Europe once again. But to achieve peace, we must deter aggression and our deployments across the region together are vital in ensuring we are able to respond to the gravest of threats. I know this Joint Expeditionary Force summit will only underline our close friendships and unwavering support for Ukraine," Sunak said.
The JEF summit is attended by the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and the UK. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to speak at the meeting.
