Boost Ukraine’s economy: Ben Wallace urges Rishi Sunak to increase aid to £2bn

In an urgent plea, the UK Defense Secretary is urging immediate action to support Ukraine, warning of a potential upcoming battle to recapture Crimea, which is currently under Russian occupation. He boldly states, “We have a chance to help finish this. The Russian army is cracking.”

Since the invasion by Russia in February of last year, the UK has pledged substantial military aid to Ukraine, with a total commitment of £4.6 billion. In 2022 and 2023, £2.3 billion was allocated each year to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

This financial contribution serves various purposes, including training Ukrainian soldiers, providing ammunition, contributing to international Ukrainian defense funds, and supplying necessary equipment.

Prior to the summer recess of Parliament, the Defense Secretary submitted a formal letter to Downing Street, requesting an additional £2.3 billion. He collaborated with UK military leaders to develop this proposal, and the Ministry of Defense’s opinion on future spending was also sought by Number 10.

Although no official announcement has been made regarding military support for the upcoming year, it is expected that the earliest such news will come in November, when the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, unveils his Autumn Statement.

In the U.S., President Biden is facing opposition from Republican congressmen aligned with former President Trump on the issue of providing further aid to Ukraine. Determined not to let America’s support for Ukraine waver, President Biden asserted, “We cannot under any circumstances allow America’s support for Ukraine to be interrupted. The vast majority of both parties – Democrats and Republicans, Senate and House – support helping Ukraine. Stop playing games. Get this done.”