UK sends anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine over Russian escalation against civilians and infrastructure

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The United Kingdom has announced that it will send anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine to enable Kiev to defend itself aerially against Russian attacks.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has indicated that it will supply additional anti-aircraft missiles, including munitions capable of shooting down cruise missiles, the ‘AMRAAM’ rockets.

Such missiles will be supplied “in the coming weeks” to Kiev for use by the air defense system, the Defense Ministry said in a statement picked up by DPA.

British officials hope the new air defense missiles will help protect Ukrainian infrastructure after Moscow launched several missile and drone attacks on cities and power plants in the country this week.

The Kremlin’s change in strategy–with attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure–has come in retaliation for an explosion on Saturday that damaged the strategic Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula.

In this context, the UK, as well as other Western governments, have increased arms shipments to Ukraine. The latest British package also includes hundreds of air defense missiles and drones, as well as about twenty artillery guns.

“Russia’s latest indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine justify further support for those seeking to defend their nation. That is why today I authorized the supply of ‘AMRAAM’ anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine,” said Wallace.

He added that “these weapons will help Ukraine defend its skies from attack and strengthen its overall missile defense.