The war in Ukraine is entering a critical phase, according to the UK Defense Minister.

The UK Defense Minister, Jon Gill, stated that the war in Ukraine is entering a critical phase. For this reason, he believes it is essential to double support for Kyiv. He also mentioned that efforts are currently underway to strengthen NATO's eastern flank.

Gill made these remarks during a briefing following a meeting of the defense ministers of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Poland, which took place in Berlin. His comments were quoted by Ukrinform.

“As the war in Ukraine reaches a critical stage, it is time for us to enhance our collective defense. We are working together to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. We are collaborating to enhance cooperation in developing air defense systems and long-range missiles. We are joining forces to bolster industrial programs among our leading companies,” said the UK Defense Minister.

He noted that the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Poland are responsible for more than one-fifth of NATO's total defense expenditures and two-thirds of European defense spending within NATO. He emphasized that support for Kyiv must be increased by at least twofold.

“First and foremost, we discussed with Rustem Umerov the necessity of doubling our support for Ukraine. Because the defense of Europe, the defense of the UK begins in Ukraine, and if Putin wins in Ukraine, he will not stop there. His goal is to destabilize democracies across our continent. Therefore, we will continue to strengthen our support for Ukraine,” stated Jon Gill.

The minister reminded that together with allies, 50,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been trained, and the UK has committed to continue supporting Ukraine. He confirmed that his country, alongside Italy, Poland, Germany, and France, is prepared to increase spending on European defense, closely integrate defense sectors, and ensure a decisive role for NATO in the face of global threats.

“The fact that we have come together as a five-nation coalition sends a very clear signal that we will be united and ready to defend our continent against aggressors. We will stand firm in the face of Putin's threats and together be prepared to deter any expansion of Russian aggression,” concluded the UK Defense Minister.

UK Assistance

The UK recently delivered a large batch of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine. This delivery occurred without much publicity, as at that time, approval from the Ukrainian Armed Forces for strikes with long-range missiles against Russia had not yet been obtained. This involves "dozens" of Storm Shadows.

It is worth noting that after prolonged delays, the US granted Ukraine permission to strike Russian territory with Western missiles. Following this, the UK and France made similar decisions. One of the largest concentrations of targets that Ukraine can aim at is the southern Rostov region of Russia. Strikes on Kursk have also been authorized.

As a result, immediately after receiving permission, Ukraine struck a command post in the village of Mariino, located in the Kursk region of Russia, just 40 km from the Ukrainian border. It is reported that as a result of this strike, several dozen soldiers and officers were injured, and as many were killed. One of the generals of North Korea was also affected during the strike, and he was hospitalized in serious condition.