NOS News•today, 1:44 PM
British Foreign Minister Cameron says that 3 billion pounds (more than 1 billion euros) will be allocated annually for military aid to Ukraine “for as long as necessary”. He adds that London has nothing against it if the weapons supplied are also used in Russia. That statement has gone wrong with Moscow.
In conversation with the Reuters news agency, Cameron said last night that Ukraine has the right to bomb targets in Russia with British weapons. “It is their right to decide how to use these weapons because they are defending their country. They have been illegally invaded by Putin and must take those steps.”
“As Russia carries out attacks in Ukraine, you can well imagine that Ukraine feels the need to defend itself, get the Russians out of the country and strike back,” he said on a visit to Kyiv.
Immediate escalation
The Kremlin calls Cameron’s statements a “direct escalation” of the conflict. Spokesman Peskov describes the minister’s comments as dangerous and worrying. He says the statements could endanger the entire European security system. There has been no response from London.
It was Cameron’s second visit to Kyiv since he took over as foreign minister several months ago. He presented the aid package there, which he said is the largest delivery of military aid from the United Kingdom to date.
Cameron also reflected on a long-awaited support package of $60 billion, which was recently approved by the US Congress after months of wrangling. “We should celebrate that success. The package is absolutely crucial, not only because it provides weapons, but also because it boosts the morale of the people of Ukraine.”
