850 micro-drones part of UK's latest military aid delivery to Ukraine as Johnson visits Kyiv
Two thousand 'state-of-the-art' drones and loitering munitions are part of the UK's latest military aid package to Ukraine, it has been announced, as Boris Johnson visited Kyiv.
The Prime Minister, making his final visit to war-torn Ukraine before leaving office, said "the UK will continue to stand with our Ukrainian friends" as he set out a further £54m package of military aid.
Mr Johnson, who has formed a close bond with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Ukraine "can and will win this war" with Russia.
The Government said the most recent delivery will improve the Ukrainian armed forces' long-range surveillance and defensive targeting ability.
The package includes 850 hand-launched Black Hornet micro-drones, which are specifically designed for use in towns and villages, and are deployed to detect approaching enemy forces.
The helicopter drones, which feed back live video and still images, are smaller than a mobile phone and troops can be trained to fly them in less than 20 minutes.
Watch: A former head of the British Army has said the Russian military has 'failed spectacularly in Ukraine.
The support also includes larger drones and loitering weapons, which can be used to target Russian vehicles and installations.
The UK is also preparing to give mine-hunting vehicles to operate off the coast, with Ukrainian personnel being trained in their use in UK waters in the coming weeks.
Mr Johnson said: "For the past six months, the United Kingdom has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, supporting this sovereign country to defend itself from this barbaric and illegal invader.
"Today's package of support will give the brave and resilient Ukrainian armed forces another boost in capability, allowing them to continue to push back Russian forces and fight for their freedom."
During his visit to the Ukraine capital, the Prime Minister also received the Order of Liberty, the highest award that can be bestowed on foreign nationals, for the UK's support for Ukraine.
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