Rishi Sunak hails Ukraine’s braveness as UK falls silent on Russian battle anniversary

UK PM Rishi Sunak famous the “bravery and courage” of the Ukrainians who’ve been preventing on the frontlines because the battle started on February 24 final yr.

United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak (AFP/File)

By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led the UK in a “national moment of reflection” joined by spouse Akshata Murty, as the primary couple hung a blue and yellow wreath within the colors of the Ukrainian flag on the door of 10 Downing Street on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine battle.

The British Indian chief was accompanied by navy personnel in Downing Street for the one-minute nationwide silence at 11 am GMT to pay tribute to the “bravery and courage” of the Ukrainians who’ve been preventing on the frontlines because the battle started on February 24 final yr.

Alongside the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, Sunak hosted members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in addition to representatives from the ten nations supporting the federal government’s Interflex coaching programme in assist of Ukraine.

“As we mark one year since a full scale war broke out on our continent, I urge everyone to reflect on the courage and bravery of our Ukrainian friends who, every hour since, have fought heroically for their country,” mentioned Sunak.

“I am proud that the UK has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine through this horrific conflict. As I stand with brave Ukrainian soldiers outside Downing Street today, my thoughts will be with all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom and return peace to Europe,” he mentioned.

Operation Interflex is a British-led multinational coaching programme for the Ukrainian armed forces involving New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.

King Charles III additionally issued an announcement from Buckingham Palace condemning the “unprovoked” assault and expressed hope the outpouring of solidarity could deliver not solely sensible assist but additionally power from the “knowledge that, together, we stand united”.

“It has now been a year that the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation. They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy,” mentioned King Charles.

Earlier this month, Sunak had raised the potential for including longer-range weapons to the programme with President Volodymyr Zelenksyy throughout his go to to the UK.

On Friday, the British Prime Minister is about to boost the problem with G7 allies – together with Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US – in a digital assembly as he calls on worldwide companions to assist Ukraine push again Russian forces.

“For Ukraine to win this war – and to accelerate that day – they must gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield. That is what it will take to shift [Russian President] Putin’s mindset. This must be our priority now. Instead of an incremental approach, we need to move faster on artillery, armour, and air defence,” Sunak is because of say in his deal with.

“The coming weeks will be difficult for Ukraine, but they will also be difficult for Russia. They are over-reaching once again. So now is the time to support Ukraine’s plan to re-arm, regroup, and push forward,” he’ll say, in accordance with excerpts of his speech launched by Downing Street.

Sunak’s central message to the world leaders will probably be that refined western functionality will assist defend important civilian infrastructure and protect the frontline defences.

He can be anticipated to reiterate his provide of UK assist to international locations in a position to present jets to Ukraine to assist in the quick battle.

Downing Street mentioned the potential step change underlines Sunak’s push to assist Ukraine seize a window of alternative to push again Russian forces and assist Ukraine defend and regain territory for the long run.

Published On:

Feb 24, 2023