Britain Is Standing Firm With "Ukrainian Friends"
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said that the United Kingdom will stand firmly alongside Ukraine, as the British Army prepares to broaden its already extended training package to all of the country’s armed forces.
Sir Michael, speaking ahead of his visit to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, announced new training to Ukraine’s Air Force as well as its Army and Navy, who are battling Russian-backed seperatists in the East of the country.
He also said that a Royal Navy warship will visit the country for the first time in a decade.
The Defence Secretary confirmed that the UK’s short-term training teams (STTTs) will train around 5,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the end of March, 1,000 more than initially planned.
Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said:
“The values of freedom and democracy cannot be traded....Britain is stepping up on the global stage and standing firm with our Ukrainian friends".
“The UK is sending a clear message that we are committed to defending democracy across the world and support Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
During his visit, Sir Michael will meet with Ukrainian veterans to hear first-hand how the UK’s training provides vital support for the UAF.
The visit, which marks the 25-year anniversary of UK-Ukrainian diplomatic relations, will also incorporate a visit the ATO Memorial inside the National Defence University to pay tribute to the 127 soldiers killed in the East of the country in 2014-2015.
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