British PM Sunak stresses continued military support to Ukraine

RIGA - To help Ukraine, it is essential to continue providing military assistance, as well as to lessen Russia's abilities to obtain resources for waging its war, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at a meeting of heads of state and government from Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partner nations in Riga on Monday. 

The British prime minister noted that because of the resolve shown by the Ukrainian people, Russian President Vladimir Putin is starting to realize that he will not be able to win on the battlefield, so he is escalating the conflict, bringing about terrible consequences for the Ukrainians. 

Sunak indicated that the first priority is to provide more military support to Ukraine, including more defense systems, artillery and armored vehicles. Next year, the UK has committed to providing  Ukraine with military assistance that would equal the 2.3 billion pound sterling (EUR 2.64 billion) provided this year or even surpass it. 

Referring to an opinion voiced earlier by Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins' (New Unity), Sunak said that Russia's unilateral demands for a ceasefire cannot be accepted because it would be a deceitful proposal, which would only allow Russia to prepare for new attacks. As long as Russia has not withdrawn its forces from Ukrainian territory, real talks with Russia are not possible, the British prime minister said.

It is also necessary to keep focusing on reducing Russia's ability to restore its resources it needs for new attacks. This means further lessening the already decreased international support for Russia, which includes preventing Iran from supplying drones to Russia, which uses them to attack Ukraine. 

Russia must also feel the economic consequences of its war in Ukraine, the British prime minister said. 

"Our common commitment is clear that Ukraine's security is our security," Sunak said.

As reported, Riga is hosting the third summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) on Monday.