By Oyintari Ben
Following a wave of Russian missile strikes, Ukraine’s NATO-led allies have announced the supply of cutting-edge air defence systems to Kyiv.
Radars and missiles are among the weapons that the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and the Netherlands have pledged. There is already one German high-tech system in Ukraine. A similar pledge was made earlier by the US.
The commitments come as 50 nations representing Ukraine’s allies gather at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.
The summit was hailed as “historic” by Kyiv.
On Monday and Tuesday, Russia allegedly used more than 100 missiles and dozens of drones to attack electricity facilities and other non-military targets, according to Ukraine.
On the first day of the strikes, at least 19 people died.
In several Ukrainian cities, they also led to significant power outages and disruptions in the water supply. Electricity rationing was the only option available to the government in Kyiv, the capital.
To help Ukraine’s logistics and information-collecting capacities, the UK will contribute hundreds of aerial drones and air defence weapons. In addition to the 64 howitzer artillery pieces previously provided, it will also deliver 18 more.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace stated, “Russia’s most recent indiscriminate bombings on civilian areas in Ukraine deserve more help to those fighting to defend their homeland.”
“These weapons will support Ukraine’s comprehensive missile defence and increase its ability to defend its skies against attacks.”
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that they [Ukrainians] have what’s required to be effective”, following the meeting in Brussels on Wednesday.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced that France would give Ukraine air defence systems.
The Netherlands declared it would send air defence missiles costing €15 million (£13 million; $14.5 million).
Russian attacks, according to Dutch Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren, “can only be answered with unwavering solidarity for Ukraine and its people.”
More than C$47 million ($34 million; £31 million) in military assistance, including drone cameras and satellite communications, was promised by Canada.
The UK is anticipated to make its weapon deliveries public soon.
