On Friday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Kyiv and announced a new military funding of approximately $3.2 billion for Ukraine. This is the largest yearly pledge made by Britain since Russia’s initial invasion of the country.

During a shared press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sunak announced that the two nations have also established a lasting bilateral security agreement, which he believes will serve as the foundation for a long-lasting partnership between their countries that is expected to endure for at least a century.

Sunak stated that the arrangement was the initial of numerous “security guarantees” pledged by NATO partners at the alliance’s summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last year.

Zelenskyy stated that the signing of the agreement marked a significant shift in European history. He deemed it as “unprecedented” and believes it will serve as a foundation for future collaborations with other partners.

Sunak announced that the military assistance program will consist of various weapons and training for Ukrainian soldiers, such as air defense equipment, anti-tank weapons, long-range missiles, ammunition, and artillery shells.

The prime minister of Britain announced that the package also consists of $255 million for drones, which he claimed is the largest amount of drones ever provided to Ukraine by any country.

Sunak stated that he aimed to convey a powerful message to Ukraine, representing both his country and their global allies, that they will always have support. He emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine is centered around their right to self-defense and the preservation of their independent democracy.

According to Sunak, if Putin is successful in Ukraine, he will not be content and will continue to pursue his agenda. Sunak also believes that any hesitation in backing Ukraine will only give Putin and his allies in countries like North Korea and Iran more confidence to act.

Zelenskyy is looking for backing in the Baltic states.

The day after Zelenskyy traveled to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to garner support for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, Sunak visited.

On Thursday in the city of Riga, the Latvian capital, Zelenskyy stated that Moscow’s strategy was to make small strategic moves on the warfront before the presidential election, followed by more significant military measures by Russia.

During his trip to Estonia on Thursday, Zelenskyy stated that a cessation of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine would only benefit Russia by giving them the opportunity to increase their stockpile of weapons and overpower us.

Zelenskyy stated that a temporary halt on fighting in Ukraine does not equate to an end of the war.

He stated that this will not result in political discussions with Russia or anyone else. This break will only be advantageous for Russia.

The leader of Ukraine stated on Wednesday in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, that his country’s military has proven that they can halt Russia’s armed forces. However, he emphasized the urgent need for Western allies to provide more air defense systems to combat the growing number of Russian drones and missiles.

He admitted that the reserves are insufficient in nations that could aid Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stated that the warehouses are currently vacant and there are numerous obstacles to global defense.

Assistance from the United States remains suspended.

According to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, the United States has ceased providing assistance for Ukraine’s war efforts due to ongoing negotiations in Washington regarding an aid package.

“The aid we offered has come to a stop,” Kirby stated.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Thursday that the U.S. State Department has implemented sanctions due to the transfer of North Korean ballistic missiles to Russia for their involvement in the conflict with Ukraine, despite current suspension of aid from the U.S.

Blinken stated that they will not hesitate to pursue additional measures, as he announced the imposition of sanctions on three Russian entities and one individual.

The sources for this report are The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.

Source: voanews.com