Britain to give Ukraine more AS90s and Brimstone missiles in latest military aid package

Britain will provide Ukraine with extra weapons, including 10 AS90 self-propelled artillery guns and 90 Brimstone missiles, the Defence Secretary has announced during a visit to the country.

Support for the previously gifted AS90s, including 32 new barrels and spares to help Ukrainian troops fire an additional 60,000 155mm rounds, are also being supplied.

Fifty small boats to support river and coastal operations, 250,000 small arms ammunition rounds, 40 de-mining vehicles and 61 bulldozers to help build defensive positions are also part of the package – the first under a Labour government.

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As well as the additional weapons, John Healey said the UK would fast-track efforts to deliver previously committed military support.

The MOD said he had directed officials to ensure a package of support pledged in April by the last government should be delivered in full within the next 100 days.

Mr Healey said: "As the new Defence Secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain's support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid.

"Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.

"This Government is steadfast in our commitment to continue supplying military assistance and will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends for as long as it takes."

The support announced in April includes 400 vehicles, 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, four million rounds of ammunition and 60 boats, including offshore raiding craft.

Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who joined Mr Healey in Ukraine, said: "The recent milestone of 500,000 Russians killed or wounded is a reminder of how badly this war has gone for Russia.

"Over the past year, with British help, Ukraine has driven the Russian fleet from Crimea and reopened the Black Sea for exports.

"The battle on land is much tougher, but Ukraine's future as a sovereign nation is not in doubt.

"By continuing to support Ukraine and by helping to ensure Russia loses, Britain and Europe will be stronger and safer over the long term."

Mr Healey held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the southern port city of Odessa.

His visit, which came within 48 hours of taking on the role, is likely to be viewed as a signal from the Government about its commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Conservative Party leader, had claimed during the General Election campaign that multi-year support to Ukraine would be put at risk under Labour.

Mr Zelensky said he had discussed the planned 100-year partnership with the UK, which was first proposed under the Tories.

He said: "I met with the newly appointed Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom.

"We discussed the implementation of the security agreement and the preparation of a future 100-year co-operation agreement between Ukraine and the UK.

"Our defence co-operation enables Ukrainian warriors to effectively defend against the aggressor both at sea and on land, particularly with the help of long-range weapons.

"I thank the United Kingdom for its strong support of our country during this time of war."