„For too long there was a false distinction between defensive and offensive weapons, it became an excuse for some to drag their feet, that time has now passed. NATO allies are clear that we are delivering heavy weapons to Ukraine, that’s what the Ukrainians need to halt the latest Russian initiative and regain control of their territory,” British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told parliament on Tuesday.

„We must double down our response. So far, Putin’s planning has been riddled with misconceptions and miscalculations. He was wrong about Ukraine’s strength and determination. We must prove him wrong in his expectations of our stamina and our commitment. Our aim remains clear; Putin must lose in Ukraine, and we will do everything we can to ensure that,” she emphasised. 

Liz Truss also announced that the UK is about to reopen its embassy in Kyiv after it was forced to close temporarily due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/1519038368893526025?s=20&t=P9JhqOy7v-KJU7eyWRnYBw

“Putin continues his barbaric war in Ukraine. The United Kingdom, together with our allies, has stepped up sanctions and lethal aid. We have put more sanctions on than any other nation […] This week, our ambassador, Mrellinda Simmons is returning to our reopened embassy in Kyiv. And we will continue to back Ukraine until they prevail and Putin fails,” Truss assured. 

Reuters reports that the UK has so far limited its supply of arms to Ukraine to weapons considered “defensive”, but has since spoken about expanding its arms supply to Ukraine. 

Image: Rob Pinney/PA

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen