Britain intends to supply Ukraine with anti-aircraft missiles to help its defense against the Russian invasion, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on March 9.
"It is vital... that Ukraine maintains its ability to fly and suppress Russian air attack," Wallace told parliament.
"In response to Ukrainian requests, the government has taken the decision to explore the donation of STARStreak high-velocity man-portable anti-air missiles. We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons, but will allow the Ukrainian force to better defend their skies."
Wallace said the decision had been made in principle to supply the weaponry, and the government was working out how to get them into Ukraine and train Ukrainian forces to use them.
If confirmed, the supply would mark a significant step in Britain's support for Ukraine. Britain's support, however, has been limited to defensive weaponry.
Separately, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a joint news conference in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on March 9 that his country will continue to send military equipment and defensive weapons to Ukraine.
So far, many NATO countries, along with other Western allies, have supplied only defensive weaponry to Kyiv amid threats from Moscow that it would make the donors a direct party to the conflict and thus open to retaliation.
British Defense Secretary Says London To Supply Ukraine With Anti-Aircraft Missiles
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace (file photo)