The UK and Ukraine will strengthen their defence partnership in the face of intensifying threats and aggression from Russia, say the Ministry of Defence.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
“As long as Ukraine faces Russian hostilities, it will find a steadfast partner in the United Kingdom. By continuing to work together, whether through training programmes or military exercises, we help Ukraine to stand up for our shared values.
Those values of freedom and democracy cannot be traded. I have witnessed on the frontline the effects of the conflict in the East and this has completely reinforced my support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak said:
“The United Kingdom is a valued partner that has supported Ukraine’s Armed Forces for the last four years in the face of Russian aggression. As we fight to defend our territory, the offer of extended support from the UK Armed Forces is vitally important and gratefully received.”
According to a news release from the department, the Defence Secretary announced at the meeting that HMS Echo would deploy to the Black Sea in 2019 to demonstrate the UK’s support to ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.
It was also confirmed that, in January and February next year, training teams – made up of personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Army – will deploy to Ukraine as part of the extension to the UK’s military training operation announced by Williamson on his visit to the country in September.
There hasn’t been much reported in the news on this conflict for at least a year. Is it pretty much sitting at a stale mate, where Russia seem to have grabbed the land they want but don’t want to advance further and the Ukrainian’s don’t want to push them out if they think they can find a diplomatic solution?
spoke just too soon!!
All a gesture and no benefit to us at all.
Ukraine is gone imo, Russia could take it anytime as we’ve seen already in the region. As long as the pro Russians keep up the propoganda they’ll have the eyes and ears of the kremlin.
I’d also be careful of how close our colabs are with the Ukrainians as surly they’ll be some suspicion there.
Interpols head is now a Russion, “disaster”
Err no, a South Korean is now Interpol’s President
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46286959
Correct Sean.
I stand corrected, pressure throughout stopped the appointment of the Russian candidate.
VERY interesting… This guy was responsible for the downing of that Malaysian airliner and the Salisbury poisoning among others. Coincidence? Put on your tinfoil caps here…
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-11-21/head-russian-military-intelligence-dies-following-grave-illness-few-details-given
Happy Thanksgiving from the other side of the Pond!
I go to the Ukraine 4 or 5 times a year. Cant beat the place for food, wine, service and beer is pretty good as well all at prices you cant believe. Russia could not just walk in there if they wanted to. I work with these guys and girls (4000+ frontline trained women) many of whom deliver first aid at the front as there is still a lot of sniping and sporadic artillery. They werent prepared before, they are now. There is benefit to us, not immediately from the Ukraine but all the others are taking note and all… Read more »