UK premier to announce 'largest-ever military aid package' to Ukraine

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, including more than 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, his office said.

During his visit to Poland on Tuesday, Sunak will announce a £500 million ($618.6 million) package for Ukraine.

The crucial package will include some 400 vehicles, 1,600 munitions and 4 million rounds of ammunition, according to a statement.

It will also cover 60 boats, maritime guns and more than 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, as well as Storm Shadows, which are precision-guided cruise missiles with a firing range in excess of 250 kilometers (155 miles).

"Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border," said Sunak.

"This record package of military aid will give (Ukraine's) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy and his brave nation more of the kit they need to kick Putin out and restore peace and stability in Europe," he added.

In Warsaw, Sunak will also discuss European security with Polish counterpart Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

His next stop will be Germany to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz.