Britain says it’s supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine

Britain stated on Monday it had begun supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons to assist it defend itself from a possible invasion, throughout a stand-off with Russia which has massed troops close to the Ukrainian border.

Western international locations say they concern Russia is getting ready a pretext for a brand new assault on Ukraine, which it invaded in 2014.Moscow denies any plans for an assault, however has stated it might take unspecified navy motion except the West agrees to a listing of calls for, together with banning Ukraine from ever becoming a member of NATO. Talks final week ended with no breakthrough. Kyiv has requested Western international locations for arms to assist it shield itself.”We have taken the decision to supply Ukraine with light anti-armour defensive weapon systems,” British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace instructed parliament, saying the primary programs have been already delivered on Monday and a small variety of British personnel would supply coaching for a brief time frame.He didn’t specify the quantity or kind of weapons that have been being despatched, however stated: “They are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia. They are to use in self-defence.”READ: US, its allies provide Ukraine ‘no matter help it wants’ to recuperate from cyber assault”These are short-range …. but nevertheless it would make people pause and think what they were doing and if tanks were to roll into Ukraine, invade it, then they would be part of the defence mechanism.”Ukraine’s defence minister welcomed Wallace’s announcement.”Ukraine highly appreciates Britain’s decision to provide a new security package with light, anti-armour, defensive weapon systems!” Oleksii Reznikov stated in a tweet.Britain has beforehand warned Russia of extreme penalties if it launched a brand new navy assault on Ukraine, whereas providing financing to boost Ukraine’s naval capabilities.Wallace stated he had invited Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to go to London within the subsequent few weeks to debate the disaster, although he didn’t know whether or not the Russians would settle for.”The current gap is wide but not unbridgeable,” Wallace stated, voicing the hope that diplomacy would prevail and including, “It is President (Vladimir) Putin’s choice.”READ: Ukraine says proof signifies Russia behind cyberattack that focused govt web sites