Britain will send its first long-range missiles to Ukraine after Russia struck the outskirts of Kyiv for the first time since April, Britain’s Ministry of Defense said Monday.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said his country would send an unspecified number of M270 launchers, which can fire precision-guided rockets up to 80 kilometers, a range longer than any missile technology currently used in warfare.
“The UK is supporting Ukraine in this fight and is taking a leadership role in supplying its heroic forces with the vital weapons they need to defend their country against an unprovoked invasion,” Wallace said in a statement.
“If the international community continues its support, I think Ukraine can win. When Russia’s tactics change, our support for Ukraine must also change,” he stressed.
Ukrainian troops, the minister said, would be trained in Britain to use the equipment.
According to Defense, the decision to provide the launchers was closely coordinated with the US.
When the United States announced that it would send missiles, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to hit new targets.
On Sunday, kyiv became the target of Russia’s first attack on the capital since April 28, while Moscow forces also continued to exert pressure through artillery and air strikes in the eastern Donbas region.
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