This is our war as much as it is Ukraine's, UK defence minister says

Ukraine's conflict with Russia is "as much our war as it is theirs", the UK's Minister for Defence Procurement has said.

Alec Shelbrooke, who was appointed to the role last month, says the war in Ukraine's impact on the UK means continued support for the country is vital.

The minister has been touring military bases in the early weeks of his new role and has visited the home of the country's nuclear deterrent at HMNB Clyde in Scotland.

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"This is a fight back against fascist dictatorship"

He stressed during his Faslane visit that the Government will continue to provide backing to Ukraine's military as they fight the Russian invasion.

"It's absolutely vital," Mr Shelbrooke said. "This is our war as much as it is Ukraine's war and we're seeing that just in terms of fuel price, in terms of food, in terms of fertilisers but, fundamentally, in terms of freedom and democracy.

"It doesn't end if we were to withdraw from Ukraine – that would embolden Russia and embolden Putin.

"It would be a direct threat to NATO which we are absolutely crystal clear that any invasion of NATO territory by one inch triggers Article 5.

"Fundamentally, this is a fight back against fascist dictatorship," he added.

Watch: Ukraine's President Zelensky addresses Russia targeting energy facilities and people with missile strikes.

It comes after Russia launched a series of rocket attacks on Ukraine after the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea with Russia was damaged last week.

G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine after a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky.

Commenting on the G7's joint statement on Ukraine following missile attacks on the country, the Minister for Defence Procurement said: "I think what's happened is it's brought everybody together and the alliances – I don't think – have ever been so strong.

"I think it's a massive miscalculation by Moscow as to what would happen to the alliance.

"I think it just goes to show that the common themes that bind us all together in terms of democracy and freedom and the right to defend has actually really just strengthened bonds and reminded us all of why NATO especially is one of the longest-lasting alliances in the history of the world," he added.