The UK is set to donate a new package of non-lethal equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the country’s defence secretary Michael Fallon has confirmed.
Valued at approximately £850,000, including transportation and contingency costs, the new package includes 2,000 Mark six helmets, 150 helmet-mounted monocular night-vision goggles, 200 global positioning units and 220 hardened laptops, as well as 1,000 first-aid kits.
Designed to increase Ukraine’s defensive capacity and awareness of tactical situations on the ground, the items will be delivered to the Ukrainian military in the coming weeks.
Fallon said: "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."
The assistance is in addition to a plan unveiled by UK Prime Minister David Cameron last week, which will see UK military personnel provide medical, logistics, infantry and intelligence capacity building training to Ukrainian soldiers from next month.
Last month, the UK Government committed £15m in emergency assistance, including food, blankets, emergency shelters and basic medical supplies, to displaced Ukrainian citizens and those living in conflict areas.
Since the start of the Ukraine conflict early last year, the UK has provided support on crisis management, anti-corruption, defence reform and strategic communications, and is also set to deliver procurement training in the near future.
In addition, the UK Ministry of Defence has supplied personal protective equipment, winter fuel, medical kits, winter clothing and sleeping bags to Ukrainian Forces.
Image: Michael Fallon has confirmed that the UK is set to donate a new package of non-lethal equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Photo: courtesy of the UK Ministry of Defence.
