Sunak: “It is time to redouble our military support” to Ukraine

MUNICH (AP) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday called on world leaders to “double down” on their support for Ukraine, saying more weapons and security guarantees are needed to protect the country and the rest of the world. Europe against aggression. the future.

Sunak delivered his message during his address to the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of heads of state, defense ministers and other world leaders. This year’s conference focuses on threats to accepted rules of international relations, nearly a year after Russian troops invaded Ukraine.

Noting Britain’s recent pledge to provide Ukraine with main battle tanks, advanced air defense systems and longer-range missiles, Sunak urged other countries to do the same before Russia does. launches an offensive planned for the spring.

“Now is the time to redouble our military support,” Sunak said. “When Putin started this war, he bet that our resolve would waver. Even now, he bets we’re going to get discouraged.”

Sunak also called on NATO to provide long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Such commitments are necessary to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression and preserve the system of international rules that have helped maintain peace since the end of World War II, Sunak added.

“This is about the security and sovereignty of every nation,” the Prime Minister said. “Because Russia’s invasion, its heinous war crimes and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric are symptoms of a larger threat to everything we believe in.”