Since Labour’s rise to power, concerns have emerged about the UK’s commitment to Ukraine. Former Tory defense minister Sir Ben Wallace pointed to a noticeable dip in momentum.
Speaking as frustration simmered within Kyiv’s ranks, Wallace suggested that Britain’s previously strong leadership stance had begun to falter.
Wallace’s remarks came after a senior figure in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government stated that the relationship between the UK and Ukraine has “got worse” since Keir Starmer became prime minister.
The official highlighted Britain’s failure to provide Ukraine with additional long-range missiles, a key issue as Kyiv watches military support from the US grow uncertain with the looming possibility of Donald Trump’s re-election.
Leadership Momentum Lost
In an interview reflecting on his tenure, Wallace noted that the UK’s defense efforts under Conservative leadership had prioritized bold, decisive actions to support Ukraine. “The leadership that Britain showed right from the start has started to drop back into the pack,” Wallace said, hinting at a shift toward less assertive policies.
He described the caution often voiced within the Foreign Office. “We don’t want to get ahead of the pack – in other words, we don’t want to have any leadership – we just want to sort of dwell in the middle,” he recounted. This, he implied, has contributed to a sluggish response to Ukraine’s urgent needs.
Starmer, four months into office, has not visited Ukraine, a point that has added to Kyiv’s frustration. The Ukrainian official underscored the need for Britain’s continued military contributions, particularly with the dwindling availability of long-range weaponry like the Storm Shadow missiles.“It isn’t happening, Starmer isn’t giving us long-range weapons,” the Kyiv official emphasized. “The situation is not the same as when Rishi Sunak was prime minister. The relationship has got worse.”
Administrative Delays and Discontent
Wallace pointed to systemic issues, criticizing delays in processing export licenses for defense equipment. Companies, he noted, have been waiting up to six months for approvals to export vital equipment that could bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. “That doesn’t sound like a government that wants to help Ukraine,” Wallace stated. “If its bureaucracy in the Foreign Office is holding out some pretty basic technologies that Ukrainians need … it’s a problem.”
Despite these critiques, Starmer has publicly reiterated Britain’s support for Ukraine. During a one-on-one meeting with President Zelenskyy at a political summit in Budapest, Starmer stressed the UK’s “unwavering” commitment. “It’s very important that we see this through. It’s very important that we stand with you,” he said.
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation, acknowledging the bilateral ties between the nations: “We’re very thankful. We’re very proud that we have such bilateral relations between our nations.”
The Issue of Storm Shadow Missiles
The urgency surrounding the supply of Storm Shadow missiles underscores Kyiv’s current challenges. Initially supplied by Britain and France, these long-range, highly accurate cruise missiles have played a significant role in Ukraine’s strategic defense.
The last reported Storm Shadow strike by Ukrainian forces was on October 5, targeting Russian command sites. However, strikes involving these missiles have dwindled throughout 2024.
A senior Kyiv official confirmed the stark reality: “You would know if the UK had provided us with new Storm Shadow missiles because we would be using them to hit Russian targets. We are not.”
The financial aspect cannot be ignored; each missile unit carries an estimated cost of £800,000. Despite the price, their effectiveness in striking static targets, including Russian naval positions in Crimea, has been proven.
With the possibility of diminished US military support should Trump return to the White House, Ukraine’s calls for renewed and consistent aid from allies like the UK grow increasingly urgent.
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