There's a close relationship between the need for essential defence reforms and the political decision on NATO membership for Ukraine - British Ambassador

Exclusive interview of the British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons to the Interfax-Ukraine agency

Text: Oleksandr Martynenko, Nataliia Pushkaruk

Madam Ambassador, Russia has significantly intensified rocket strikes on Ukraine, and its critical infrastructure, ruining our power plants and killing civilians. What can you tell about the participation of the United Kingdom in building a new Ukrainian air defence system?

The United Kingdom has been giving military support to Ukraine right from the beginning. We’re the second largest donor of support to Ukraine behind the US. Our Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who is still in his job, has done so well. He maintains close contact with the Ukrainian government to hear what they need, because of course, the invasion takes its twists and turns. And then, he is in contact with colleague defence ministers, who set up the Ramstein format. 

We have provided air defence systems about 4 weeks ago. We’ve provided more artillery. We are looking all the time to see how existing stock can be adapted so that Ukrainians can use it to defend themselves against the latest wave of attacks. Mr. Wallace is very conscious about what's needed.

We know that British military aid to Ukraine is very significant. What can you tell us about the current amount of military aid Ukraine is getting from Great Britain? 

It’s about £2.3 billion. We provided NLAWs right from the beginning, which everyone saw, of course, arriving in Ukraine, and which the Armed Forces use so effectively. Since then we have provided anti-tank weapons etc. We’ve helped safeguard the Black Sea coast, provided underwater mine detectors etc. So, we just keep going in a way that it's not just about the amount we give, but that