Lord Cameron: Ukraine has right to defend itself with British weapons

Ukraine has the right to use British weapons to strike inside of Russia, Lord Cameron has said.

The Foreign Secretary, who has visited Kyiv and met with president Volodymyr Zelensky, said it was Ukraine’s “right” to decide whether to do so.

He said: “Ukraine has that right. Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it’s defending itself.”

Lord Cameron’s visit on Thursday follows the Government’s announcement that it will commit to at least £3 billion a year in military support to Ukraine.

In Kyiv, Lord Cameron announced that the UK’s donation would include precision-guided bombs, and air defence missiles and equipment for 100 mobile air defence teams to enable Ukraine to shoot down Russia’s drones and missiles.

He also confirmed a £36 million package of support, including £20 million in new emergency funding, following Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure.

The Government has committed to spend at least 2.5% per cent of GDP on defence.

“We will give £3 billion every year for as long as is necessary. We’ve just really emptied all we can in terms of giving equipment,” Lord Cameron told Reuters.

He also met Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign ministe, during his second visit to Kyiv as Foreign Secretary.

He said: “Ukraine is fiercely defending itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, making a war Putin thought would last days take years.

“But this war is the challenge of our generation and Ukraine cannot fight it alone.

“We must all step up to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win.

“Through our multi-year military funding, weapons provision and vital support to protect and repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Lord Cameron added.