The United Kingdom has sent a helicopter to Ukraine for the first time to support the country invaded by Russia and plans to procure two more, the British Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday. As he traveled to Norway to discuss military support for Ukraine with his allies, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace also indicated that London would send 10,000 extra artillery munitions to Kiev.
“Our support for Ukraine is unwavering. This additional ammunition will help Ukraine secure the territories it has retaken from Russia in recent weeks“Said Ben Wallace, quoted in a press release from the ministry. and “first delivery of Sea King helicopters arrives in Ukraine to provide essential search and rescue capabilities“, adds the press release. The first of three helicopters to be delivered has already arrived.
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Britain has been one of Kiev’s strongest backers since the Russian invasion in February with military aid, including air defense systems and drones, but London has never provided manned aircraft. According to the statement, the British Army in the UK has trained 10 Ukrainian army teams and engineers to enable them to use the Sea Kings.
These announcements follow British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to Kiev on Saturday, where he announced military aid worth 50 million pounds (57.4 million euros) and humanitarian aid worth 16 million pounds (18.3 million euros). Military assistance includes125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly drones supplied by Iran (in Moscow, ed. note), including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic equipment“, Downing Street had stated.
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