NewsUK backs Ukraine's right to strike Russia with supplied arms

UK backs Ukraine's right to strike Russia with supplied arms

David Cameron stated that Ukraine has the right to use weapons supplied by London to strike targets in Russia, emphasizing that the decision rests with Kyiv.

David Cameron visits Ukraine

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6:52 AM EDT, May 3, 2024

In an interview with Reuters, British Foreign Minister David Cameron announced a three billion-pound ($3.74 billion) annual military aid package for Ukraine.

He underscored that the United Kingdom will provide "as much as needed," noting that London has no objections to the use of these weapons on Russian soil. Further, Cameron highlighted Ukraine's right to target locations within Russia with weapons supplied by London, leaving the decision to Kyiv's discretion.

"Ukraine has that right. Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it's defending itself," Cameron stated.

- "We've just really emptied all we can in terms of giving equipment. Some of that equipment is actually arriving in Ukraine today while I'm here," he mentioned.

Aid for Ukraine

- "The aid package for Ukraine authorized by the US Congress offers a chance to maintain its position. However, no major offensives should be anticipated in the near term," commented Liam Collins, a former advisor to the Ukrainian defense ministry. The most significant impact will come from basic supplies, such as artillery ammunition, he added.

When Congress finally approved a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine after six months of impasse, the decision was well-received on both sides of the Atlantic. At the annual meet of the so-called Ramstein group, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared that this aid would enable Ukraine to "not only stabilize the front but also move forward, achieving our Ukrainian goals in the war."

Yet, in discussions with Col. Liam Collins, a former Special Forces officer who has previously advised the Ukrainian military, the consensus is that the package mainly bolsters Ukraine's hope to defend its territory, without expecting a significant strategic breakthrough imminently.

"Expecting any large-scale offensive is unrealistic. Ukraine lacks the capability, especially facing Russia’s massive deployment of soldiers and equipment. Thus, this package will assist them in holding their ground against Russian advances," the expert assessed.