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The country’s resistance against Russia has been strengthened by an expanding funding commitment from international allies, and further strike power assistance from the UK.
A global coalition supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression has agreed to enhance the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) after meeting at the Copenhagen Conference.
The United Kingdom is among the contributors, pledging a further £250 million (AU$430 million) during the meeting with co-hosts Denmark and Ukraine.
The funding boost is expected to finance military equipment and other support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), as well as the provision of maintenance and repair of existing kit, and training.
“This conference sends a clear message to Russia. We will not tire, and we will stand by Ukraine today, tomorrow and in the months to come,” UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.
“The UK and partner nations have agreed to provide long-term military funding, ensuring a steady flow of finance to provide vital military equipment, essential maintenance of existing kit and maximising our UK-led international training program for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.”
Coalition partners also offered to expand and coordinate the international training scheme launched by the UK, which has involved the training of more than 2,300 Ukrainian personnel.
Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Latvia have now agreed to join the initiative, with the Netherlands also previously committing to support the program.
Meanwhile, the UK has also committed to sending further multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine and a “significant number” of precision guided M31A1 missiles capable of striking targets up to 80 kilometres away.
“This latest tranche of military support will enable the Armed Forces of Ukraine to continue to defend against Russian aggression and the indiscriminate use of long-range artillery,” Defence Secretary Wallace said.
“Our continued support sends a very clear message, Britain and the international community remain opposed to this illegal war and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder, providing defensive military aid to Ukraine to help them defend against Putin’s invasion.”
[Related: Ukraine’s strike power receives billion-dollar boost ]
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