BRITAIN is providing further “self-defence” weapons and training to Ukraine amid concerns over a possible Russian invasion.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said light anti-armour defensive weapons systems would be supplied to Ukraine, with a “small number” of UK personnel travelling to the country to provide training.
The announcement came after he warned tens of thousands of Russian troops are positioned next to the Ukrainian border, explaining the deployment is “not routine” and they are equipped with tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, rocket artillery and short-range ballistic missiles.
He told MPs there is “real cause of concern” over the scale of the force being assembled by the Kremlin, supported by Russian air and maritime forces.
Russia’s presence and levels of readiness are contributing to a “destabilising and coercive atmosphere that risks miscalculation at best and at worst conflict”, Wallace added.
He invited his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, to visit London “in the next few weeks” to discuss “issues related to mutual security concerns and engage constructively in good faith”.
After highlighting previous work as part of Operation Orbital, the UK’s training mission in Ukraine, Wallace outlined new support being provided.
READ MORE: David Pratt: 'Drumbeat of war' grows louder as crises play out
He told the Commons: “In light of the increasingly threatening behaviour from Russia and in addition to our current support, the UK is providing a new security assistance package to increase Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
“We have taken the decision to supply Ukraine with light anti-armour defensive weapons systems.
“A small number of UK personnel will provide early-stage training for a short period of time, within the framework of Operation Orbital, before returning to the United Kingdom.
“This security assistance package complements the training capabilities Ukraine already has and those that are also being provided by the UK and other allies in Europe and the United States.
“Ukraine has every right to defend its borders and this new package of aid further enhances its ability to do so.
“Let me be clear: this support is for short-range and clearly defensive weapon capabilities; they are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia; they are to use in self-defence.”
Wallace reiterated there is a “package of international sanctions ready to go” should any “destabilising action” by Russia in Ukraine take place.
READ MORE: Russia denies looking for a pretext to invade Ukraine
He noted any invasion will be viewed as an “occupation”, adding: “I fear it could lead to a huge loss of life on all sides.
“The current difficult relationship with the Kremlin is not the one we wish it to have with the United Kingdom, it does not have to be this way.”
Wallace went on: “We wish to be friends with the Russian people as we have been for hundreds of years. And there is a world in which we can establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Russia.
“I still remain hopeful that diplomacy will prevail. It is President Putin’s choice whether to choose diplomacy and dialogue, or conflict and the consequences.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel