UK urged to lead Ukraine coalition with long-range weapons

The Council on Geostrategy has released new research, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), calling on the British government to collaborate with allies in providing Ukraine with long-range and advanced weapons to defeat Russia in its ongoing war of aggression.

The report comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presents his ‘victory plan’ during his visit to the United States this week.

The report, titled ‘The trilateral initiative: A minilateral to catalyse Russia’s defeat?’, argues that the UK, alongside key European partners such as Poland, must take bold leadership by supplying Ukraine with the weaponry necessary to target Russia’s military infrastructure, particularly in the frontier zone.

This zone serves as a key base for Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian territory.

You can read the Point Paper here.

The study, written by James Rogers and William Freer from the Council on Geostrategy, outlines the critical importance of Ukraine’s victory, warning of the severe consequences for Europe and NATO unity should Russia emerge victorious. It highlights the need for the UK to revive the 2022 ‘trilateral initiative,’ which initially united Britain, Poland, and Ukraine in a shared effort to secure Ukraine’s success.

Key to this initiative is the provision of long-range weapons that would allow Ukraine to strike Russian targets en masse, particularly calling for the destruction of the Crimean Bridge. This symbolic and logistical link between Russia and occupied Crimea has been identified as a key target to weaken Russia’s ability to wage war in southern Ukraine.

The paper also notes that a Ukrainian victory, facilitated by UK leadership, could reassert Britain’s role on the global stage and reconnect the nation with key European allies.

In contrast, a Russian victory would carry significant economic and political costs for the UK, potentially destabilising NATO and forcing Britain to divert resources away from domestic priorities such as economic growth and Net Zero initiatives.

Council on Geostrategy’s James Rogers, Director of Research, and William Freer, Research Fellow in National Security, said:

“Ukraine is at a critical moment with victory possible, but there is currently no clear strategy to secure a Russian defeat. A Russian victory is also still possible, but this would endanger NATO unity and emphasise the idea that “might makes right”.The economic consequences of a Russian victory would also be severe, especially for the UK, as it would jeopardise missions to deliver economic growth and Net Zero with Britain forced instead to invest more into defence.

Facing political irresolution in France, Germany and, potentially, the US, it falls to the new British government to provide the leadership needed to help Ukraine. The new British government has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore the partnership formed with Poland and Ukraine, and deliver victory for Ukraine.”