UK to send heated tents and cold weather gear to Ukraine ahead of perilous winter | UK News
The UK is sending heating tents and extreme cold sleeping kits to Ukraine to help the country’s armed forces deal with the plummeting temperatures there.
More than 12,000 kits are being supplied to the country’s armed forces, along with 150 tents.
Kit includes a cold-weather sleeping bag, bivvy bag, and roll-up mat.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the items were being provided in addition to “lethal aid”.
The UK is also in the process of delivering 25,000 extreme cold weather suits by mid-December, Downing Street said.
These include insulated jackets, extra-warm trousers and boots, gloves and socks.
They are on top of more than 7,000 casual cold-weather suits distributed to recruits on Operation Interflex, Number 10 added.
Operation Interflex is the name given to the Ukrainian military training operation pioneered by the UK.
Wallace said the device would help Ukraine “work efficiently for the next few months”.
He added: “Along with our training program and the delivery of lethal aid, it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that the basic Ukrainian soldier is well trained, well equipped and have the best chance to fight and define their own future.”
The announcement coincides with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to Downing Street on Wednesday – the first international leader that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has chaired at Number 10 since taking office last month.
Before heading to Westminster, Mr. Stoltenberg will visit Ukrainian troops at Lydd Army Camp in Kent.
He will watch as recruits are taken by UK military trainers, preparing them to serve on the front lines in Ukraine.
After facing the Prime Minister, Mr. Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister will discuss both the ongoing war in Ukraine and how to best support Kyiv.
There will also be some discussion of the Integrated Review – a review of the UK’s national security policies.
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Regarding the UK’s relationship with the military alliance, Downing Street said: “The UK is the largest European contributor to NATO, and has committed both its aircraft carriers and their nuclear capabilities. me for the alliance.”
Speaking ahead of Mr. Stoltenberg’s visit, Mr. Rishi Sunak said: “NATO is the foundation of our security and the security of our allies. As the war in Ukraine continues, we are not considered. peace at home is obvious.”
“I identify the UK as the cornerstone of NATO for generations to come. But to face the challenges of the future, we must evolve as an alliance to meet and stay ahead of the threat. from our competitors.
“We must also continue to support the Ukrainian people in their resistance to Putin’s atrocities.
“I am delighted that the UK-funded kit will keep the Ukrainian armed forces warm and safe as they face a dangerous winter fighting for their country.”