The Prime Minister will call on international partners to help
Ukraine degrade Russian forces beyond the front lines of the
conflict in a G7 meeting today [FRI].
Lauding the strength and resolve of the international community
in supporting Ukraine, as demonstrated by the G7, the Prime
Minister will make the case for longer range weapons to be
supplied to their armed forces.
He will tell world leaders that the sophisticated capability will
help protect critical civilian infrastructure and preserve the
front line defences. He is also expected to reiterate his offer
of UK support to countries able to provide jets to Ukraine to
help in the immediate conflict.
The capability step change underlines the Prime Minister’s push
to help Ukraine seize a window of opportunity to push back
Russian forces and help Ukraine defend and regain territory for
the long term. The Prime Minister raised the possible provision
of the longer range weapons with President Zelenksyy during his
visit to the UK earlier this month.
The acceleration comes as Ukraine prepares to mark a year since
Russia’s barbaric full scale invasion today [FRI]. The Prime
Minister will join military personnel in Downing Street, as part
of a national moment of reflection at 11am, to pay tribute to the
bravery and courage of all the Ukrainians in their fight against
Russia.
Alongside the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko,
the Prime Minister will host members of the Ukrainian Armed
Forces in Downing Street, as well as representatives from the 10
nations supporting the Government’s Interflex training programme,
including trainers from New Zealand, Australia, Canada,
Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.
Joined by his wife, Akshata Murty, the Prime Minister will also
hang a blue and yellow wreath on the No10 door.
Prime Minster said:
“As we mark one year since a full scale war broke out on our
continent, I urge everyone to reflect on the courage and bravery
of our Ukrainian friends who, every hour since, have fought
heroically for their country.
“I am proud that the UK has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with
Ukraine through this horrific conflict. As I stand with brave
Ukrainian soldiers outside Downing Street today, my thoughts will
be with all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend
freedom and return peace to Europe.”
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will tell G7 allies in the
virtual meeting that he has been humbled by Ukraine’s bravery and
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership, and is proud of the
united response from international partners, including the G7.
He is expected to say:
“For Ukraine to win this war – and to accelerate that day – they
must gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield. That is what
it will take to shift Putin’s mindset. This must be our priority
now. Instead of an incremental approach, we need to move faster
on artillery, armour, and air defence.
“ The coming weeks will be difficult for Ukraine, but they will
also be difficult for Russia. They are over-reaching once again.
So now is the time to support Ukraine’s plan to re-arm, regroup,
and push forward.”
His rallying call at the G7 will come as the Foreign Secretary
speaks at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York
today to call on countries to step up their support for Ukraine
to help the country secure a lasting peace on their terms.
He will set out how Russia’s continued targeting of Ukraine’s
civilian infrastructure, and key agricultural sites, has
exacerbated global food prices and hurt the most vulnerable.
