London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Downing Street has expressed that the Government’s support for Ukraine “remains unchanged” by the country’s invasion of Russia.
What Are the Implications of Ukraine’s Attack on Kursk?
On August 6 Ukrainian troops penetrated Russian territory in the Kursk border region, pushing it as far as 19 miles, overwhelming units on the frontier, as the majority of the Russian army were employed in the offensive in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine. More than 70,000 people are now conveyed to have run their homes in Kursk as residents videoed videos lamenting that they had to flee, leaving behind their belongings, and arguing with Russian President Vladimir Putin for help.
What Does the UK’s Continued Support Entail?
The purpose of Ukraine’s current operation in Russia is taking place under close secrecy and its goals are unclear. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has frequently expressed his Government’s continuation of the prior administration’s military and political support for Ukraine. Last month Sir Keir expressed that the £3 billion a year military aid for Ukraine will continue until at least 2030/31 and for as long as it is needed.
A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister stated: “Our policy remains that the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes and we are firm in our commitment to continue to provide military assistance. We are very explicit that under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine has a clear right to self-defence.”
Defence Secretary John Healey visited Ukraine soon after taking office to promise artillery guns and shells and 90 Brimstone missiles. Questioned if British weapons were being employed in Ukraine’s incursion into Russia, the No 10 spokeswoman stated: “We’re not going to remark on individual operations, which are for the Ukrainians to talk to as they have, but our position about our backing remains unchanged.”
What Are the Details of the UK’s Military Aid Commitment?
The UK has also earlier confirmed it will contribute £40 million to NATO’s comprehensive aid package for Ukraine, and the UK-administered international budget for Ukraine will place a new order, worth £300 million, for 120,000 rounds of 152mm Soviet-era ammunition. Russia has witnessed previous incursions into its territory during the nearly two-and-a-half-year war, but the incursion into the Kursk region marked the largest raid on its ground since the Second World War.
It is also the foremost time the Ukrainian army has spearheaded an attack rather than pro-Ukraine Russian fighters.