Ukraine is facing "its darkest hour", says the UK's Defence Secretary. Ben Wallace has said today that more than 1,000 Ukrainian civilians are believed to have been killed or injured during the Russian bombardment so far and that "worse is likely to come".
Countless reports and images have been coming out of Ukraine of civilians fleeing the violence and destruction happening in the wake of Russian's attempt to invade. These include reports of women and children being fired upon by Russian forces in their attempts to leave Ukraine and cross the borders into neighbouring countries. They also include accounts of British citizens independently volunteering to join the fighting, as well as providing much needed aid and supplies.
In a statement to MPs, Mr Wallace said: "In response to a Ukrainian request, the Government has taken the decision to explore the donation of Starstreak high-velocity manned portable anti-air missiles. We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Ukrainian force to better defend their skies. We shall also be increasing the supplies of rations, medical equipment and other non-lethal military aid."
If approved, the decision would mark a significant step up in military support for Ukraine by the British Government, the Mirror reports. So far, the UK has insisted it will not put troops on the ground in Ukraine but that, along with NATO allies, it will supply defensive support to President Zelensky's troops.
The Defence Secretary stressed the Government is "bound by the decision to supply defensive systems" and not escalate the war. He added that when it came to civilian casualties so far: "The true figure is expected to be much higher and I'm afraid worse is likely to come. It's for that reason that the UK will increase its funding for Ukraine to £220 million, which includes £120 million of humanitarian aid."
The civilian population in Ukraine is suffering "horrendous hardships", with more than 200 schools damaged or destroyed and media showing strikes hitting kindergarten, he said. However, he warned that Russia's military campaign will "get more brutal and more indiscriminate" and Vladimir Putin has ratcheted up threats against allies of Ukraine.
"But it is my firm belief that our strength to stand up to such bullying comes from our alliances," Mr Wallace said. "We should take strength from the peoples right across Europe who are standing shoulder to shoulder to protect our values, our freedom, our tolerance, our democracy and our free press. That is our shield."
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