Amidst escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron reaffirms Britain’s support for Ukraine’s defence efforts, asserting Ukraine’s right to utilise British weapons against Russian targets. Here’s the full story.
Second Year of War
As the world marks the Russian war against Ukraine marching into its second year, the fighting has become increasingly desperate as Russia continues to make incremental gains inside the beleaguered country.
Support for Ukraine
During a recent visit to Kyiv, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron reiterated Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily and financially.
Raising Eyebrows
However, Cameron raised a few eyebrows in allied countries after asserting that Ukraine has a right to employ British weapons against legitimate targets inside Russia.
“Defending Itself”
Cameron stated, “Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it’s defending itself.”
“As Long as It Takes”
He also emphasised that the UK would continue to provide substantial financial support to Ukraine for “as long as it takes.”
£3 Billion Aid Package Donated
This comes shortly after the UK outlined its most significant military aid package to Ukraine, totalling £3 billion.
“Another Very Dangerous Statement”
Cameron’s statement was swiftly condemned by Russia, with Kremlin mouthpiece Dmitry Peskov labelling it “another very dangerous statement.”
“Direct Escalation”
Two years after his country illegally invaded another sovereign nation, without a hint of irony, he added, “This is a direct escalation of tension around the Ukrainian conflict, which would potentially pose a threat to European security.”
Unofficial Policy
The UK has, up until now, like many of the Western powers backing Ukraine, had an unofficial policy of only allowing Ukraine to use British-supplied weapons inside Ukraine.
Shift in Policy
While Cameron did not explicitly endorse strikes on Russian territory, his remarks suggest a shift in the UK’s policy regarding the use of British-supplied weapons, bringing it more in line with countries like Finland and Latvia, who have both supported Ukraine’s right to use western supplied weapons to strike at Russia.
Not Universally Welcomed
This shift in policy has not been universally welcomed by all Western nations, with the US expressing concerns over potential Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, which the US administration fears could exacerbate the ongoing conflict.
Russian Advances
This policy shift has likely been influenced by reports of Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials fearing a summer offensive targeting strategic locations like the northeastern towns of Kharkiv and Sumy.
Heightened Tensions
Russia’s recent capture of villages near the Siverskyi Donetsk-Donbas canal has heightened tensions, with Ukrainian forces striving to repel the invaders.
30,000 Conscripts a Month
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However, the situation remains precarious, with Ukrainian intelligence warning of impending Russian offensives and ongoing recruitment efforts by Moscow, which is reportedly enlisting over 30,000 people each month in preparation for the new push for ground.
Horrifying Casualties
Giovanni Cancemi
Russian incursions into Ukrainian territory have resulted in horrifying numbers of civilian casualties and extensive damage to the country’s infrastructure, prompting urgent Ukrainian appeals for international assistance in restoring vital energy networks damaged by repeated Russian missile strikes.
French Boots on the Ground
Lord Cameron’s visit to Kyiv coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks in an interview with the Economist, in which he refused to rule out the deployment of French troops in Ukraine should Russia break through Ukraine’s front lines.
“Not Ruling Anything Out”
Macron has repeatedly refused to rule out sending French troops to Ukraine and continued to do so in the interview, saying he was “not ruling anything out because we are facing someone [Putin] who is not ruling anything out.”
“Threat to European Security”
Marcon, who has been one of the most vocal supporters of beleaguered Ukraine, which is now entering its second year of war against Putin’s Russia, called Russia “a power of regional destabilisation … a threat to European security.”
“Clear Strategic Objective”
Macron stated, “I have a clear strategic objective: Russia cannot win in Ukraine. If Russia wins in Ukraine, there will be no security in Europe.”
“What Security?”
He added, “Who can pretend that Russia will stop there? What security will there be for the other neighbouring countries, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Lithuania and the others?”
“Very Dangerous Trend”
The Kremlin denounced Macron’s comments, which they suggested were part of a “very dangerous trend.”
“Hybrid War”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the West of admitting that it was engaged in a “hybrid war” against Russia by supporting Ukraine.
Deepening Commitment
The UK’s reaffirmation of its ongoing support from Ukraine, including the provision of military aid and the acknowledgement of Ukraine’s right to use British weapons against Russian targets, reflects a deepening commitment to the country’s right to defend itself as the war grinds into its second year.
Uncertain Future
What this means for European security and Ukraine’s future existence as a unified nation remains to be seen.
The post Britain Backs Ukraine: Approves Use of UK Arms in Russian Conflict first appeared on Swift Feed.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Oleksandr Osipov.