United to win: London prepares new sanctions against Russia, speeds up delivery of LMM missiles to Ukraine to fight drones
Photo: Reuters
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi's visit to London, the United Kingdom will announce plans to accelerate the delivery of LMM missiles to Ukraine to counter jet-powered Shahed drones, as well as preparations for new sanctions against Russia.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will receive Zelenskyi at Downing Street, Rubryka writes, citing the UK Prime Minister's Office.
Countering Russian jet-powered drones attacking Ukrainian cities far from the frontline, including Kyiv, will form one of the key topics of their meeting.
These drones fly faster and higher than conventional propeller-driven Shaheds, making them harder to detect and destroy. British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) have already proven effective in countering such targets.
The UK previously committed to delivering more than 5,000 LMM missiles to Ukraine over four years as part of a total defense aid package worth 1.6 billion British pounds.
London will now accelerate 10 million British pounds worth of missile deliveries within a new 45 million British pound anti-aircraft weapons package to help Ukraine meet its most urgent defense needs ahead of winter.
In addition to military aid, the British government is preparing new restrictions against Russia. Burnham instructed ministers to develop sanction packages along with military and financial support measures for Ukraine, which officials plan to deliver in the coming weeks.
London will also fully implement a ban on providing maritime services for the export of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), restricting Russia's ability to utilize British shipping and insurance companies.
"My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer: we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe," the Prime Minister stated.
Britain is also calling on international partners to step up sanctions pressure on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to compel him to heed US calls for an energy truce.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey will raise the issue at International Monetary Fund meetings in Bangkok, urging allies to join the British ban on maritime service provisions for Russian LNG exports.
"I urge partners to support the ban on Russian LNG, just as we did in the UK, to restrict the war chest Putin so desperately craves," Healey emphasized.
Background
According to disclosed data, the new British systems will carry a warhead weighing at least 225 kilograms and strike targets at ranges exceeding 500 kilometers.
Additionally, on October 11, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the European Union's plans to allocate additional funds to purchase drones and missiles, reinforcing Ukraine's defense capabilities and helping safeguard its airspace.
