UK, US, Denmark and Netherlands pledge to send missiles to bolster Ukraine’s air defense

On June 15, the defense ministers announced a joint and urgent transfer of air defense equipment to Ukraine to stand against aerial attacks by Russian forces.

The announcement by Britain, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States coincided with a meeting in Brussels of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

What is the problem?

Russian troops constantly launch missile and drone attacks throughout the territory of Ukraine. Over the past day, Russian invaders struck residential quarters in nine regions. In the Kherson region, Russian forces hit 25 settlements targeting rescuers, with dead and wounded reported.

It is indispensable for the Ukrainian Air Force to have sufficient ammunition to counter Russian attacks.

What is the solution?

The latest supplies will help Ukraine fend off Russia's brazen missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities, the four allies said in a joint statement.

How does it work?

Four of Ukraine's Western backers said on Thursday they were joining forces to supply hundreds of air defense missiles and their launch systems to Kyiv as it fights back against Russia.

"Working with our international partners, we are able to provide vital air defense equipment, which will help Ukraine support offensive operations and protect critical national infrastructure," UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said.

Delivery of the equipment is underway and should be complete within weeks, the statement said.

The package consists largely of "Soviet-era missiles," it added, without specifying their source.

Denmark's defense minister Troels Lund Poulsen said his country plans to provide additional 2.94 billion euros to the British-led International Fund for Ukraine over the next few years.

The joint supply of air defense equipment was reported during the 13th meeting of the Ramstein Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels. 

The Dutch defense ministry will purchase four VERA-EG passive surveillance radar systems worth 150 million euros for Ukraine.

The defense ministers of the UK-backed Expeditionary Force will jointly allocate 107 million euros from the International Fund for Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv's air defense.

Previously, the EU Commission's deputies approved a bill to increase the production of arms for Ukraine.