The Defence Secretary hosted the second International Defence
Donor Conference for Ukraine, leading efforts of partners to
bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The conference brought together over 35 international partners to
discuss the latest situation in Ukraine and the country’s most
pressing requirements for lethal and non-lethal military aid.
The international community has committed to widening its package
of military support for Ukraine and explored new ways of
sustaining the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the longer term,
including the provision of increasingly capable air and coastal
defence systems, artillery and counter battery capabilities,
armoured vehicles and protected mobility, as well as wider
training and logistical support.
Defence Secretary MP said:
Today’s donor conference demonstrates the international
community’s determination to support Ukraine in the face of
President Putin’s illegal and unprovoked invasion by Russian
forces.
We are increasing our coordination to step-up that military
support and ensure the Armed Forces of Ukraine grow stronger as
they continue to repel Russian forces.
The first Donor Conference was held on 25 February, boosting the
provision of immediate support as Russia commenced its invasion.
The number of participants has since increased to 35.
The UK Government is now working with Poland, the United States,
and other partners to coordinate the provision of longer term
international support, alongside the recently announced new UK
military support package for Ukraine.
The UK has supported Ukraine since the 2014 invasion, training
over 20,000 Ukrainian personnel, and earlier this year started
providing lethal aid. This has included over 4,000 NLAWs and
Javelin anti-tank systems, as well as committing to send
Starstreak air defence systems and 6,000 new anti-tank and high
explosive missiles. This is in addition to a range of non-lethal
aid including body armour, helmets, boots, ration packs,
rangefinders and communications equipment.
