Sunday, March 8, 2015

Britain Ramps Up Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine



 
© Flickr/ UK Ministry of Defence


Britain will supply Ukraine's army with new military equipment to help Kiev's forces in its conflict with separatist groups in the country's east.
The equipment, which consists of $1.3 million (£850,000) in non-lethal military aid, comes as on the back of a request from Kiev officials. The package includes first aid kits, night vision goggles, laptops, helmets and GPS units.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the latest announcement was in reaction to what he perceived as "Russia's aggression" in the Ukrainian conflict.
"The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's aggression.
"This gift of non-lethal equipment is designed to prevent further Ukrainian fatalities and casualties and to help improve situational awareness on the ground. Our overall aim is to strengthen the defensive capability of the Ukrainian armed forces and build the resilience that they need."
Britain, along with the US and EU, has accused Russia of interfering with the Ukrainian conflict, and providing military assistance to separatist groups in the country's east. However Moscow has continually denied these claims.
The latest delivery of non-lethal military equipment follows last week's announcement that the UK will send 75 military advisors and trainers to Ukraine to provide assistance to local forces.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon confirmed the forces would not be engaging in military combat but would be providing military assistance and logistical advice to Kiev government forces.
"As for mission creep, may I make it absolutely clear that we are not deploying combat troops to Ukraine, and we will not do so."
We are providing non-lethal assistance that has been requested by the Ukrainian Government to enhance the capability of their armed forces and to attempt to reduce the number of fatalities and casualties that they have suffered," said Fallon.
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