Denmark, UK agree to enhance military assistance for Ukraine

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Denmark and the UK agreed on Thursday to continue and enhance their military assistance to Ukraine.

The defense ministers and representatives of Ukraine, the UK, Denmark and key allies and partners met in Copenhagen "to discuss how to enhance and sustain longer-term military support to Ukraine in light of Russia’s continued brutal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine,” said a joint statement by the Danish Defense Ministry, dubbed Copenhagen Declaration.

"They condemned Russia’s brutality and indiscriminate killing of Ukrainian civilians in the strongest way possible, and expressed their full support to Ukraine," it added.

According to the readout, they agreed on the "importance of continued and sustained military assistance to Ukraine in its fight for security and freedom."

The officials, the statement said, discussed specific projects and ways to facilitate continued long-term funding, enhance armaments production, including of artillery and ammunition, develop and strengthen training of Ukrainian soldiers, and assist Ukraine’s efforts within demining in the best possible way.

They agreed to meet virtually again in September to follow up on the progress.

In a separate statement, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said Britain, which has already donated advanced weapons systems to Ukraine, would send more multiple-launch rocket systems, and a “significant number” of precision guided M31A1 missiles which can strike targets up to 80km (50 miles) away.

“This latest tranche of military support will enable the Armed Forces of Ukraine to continue to defend against Russian aggression and the indiscriminate use of long-range artillery,” he said.

Besides imposing tough sanctions, a number of countries have sent arms to Ukraine since Russia launched its “special military operation” on Feb. 24.​​​​​​​