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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Photo: Jessica Taylor / dpa
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to supply 6,000 additional missiles to the Ukrainian army in the fight against Russia.
In addition, his country will support Ukraine with a further 25 million pounds (30 million euros) in financial aid, Johnson announced on Wednesday evening.
At the NATO and G7 summit in Brussels on Thursday, Johnson also wants to call on the allies to "shift up a gear" in the conflict with Russia, his office said.
Among other things, Johnson will propose “increased defense support for Ukraine and increased economic sanctions” against Russia.
In addition, the Western allies should provide the Ukrainian forces with intelligence information for further attacks on Russian positions.
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"We cannot and will not stand by and see Russia reduce Ukraine's cities to rubble," Johnson said.
Britain, along with its allies, will "strengthen Ukraine's defenses as it turns the tide of this battle."
The international community faces a choice between "keeping the flame of freedom alive in Ukraine" or risking it "being extinguished across Europe and the world".
London has already provided Kyiv with over 4,000 anti-tank weapons, including light anti-tank weapons (NLAW) and so-called Javelin missiles.
The British government has also supplied the Ukrainian army with high-velocity Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, body armor, helmets and boots.
London has also already pledged £400m in humanitarian and economic aid.
The additional £25m will be used for soldiers' and civil servants' salaries and military equipment.
Downing Street also plans to give the public broadcaster BBC World Service more than £4 million to fight disinformation in Russia and Ukraine.
Most recently, Johnson pledged financial and administrative support for the International Criminal Court's investigation into war crimes.
mfh/AFP
