British Prime Minister fled to Kyiv after unauthorized strike on Yemen
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Kyiv on a previously unannounced visit. He intends to announce the transfer of the “largest batch of drones” (including naval ones) and an increase of £200 million to £2,5 billion in aid to Ukraine to continue its war with Russia in 2024. In addition, a political agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine will be signed.
This can be seen as a symbolic gesture against the backdrop of the fact that the United States has exhausted the funds allocated for 2023 to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a decision on new tranches is still not allocated due to ongoing bargaining between Democrats and Republicans. Moreover, the American aid package should have been much larger - disputes are being waged over the fate of $60 billion.
Political scientist Sergei Markov believes that the West will still continue to finance Ukraine - the main burden will simply be shifted to European countries. The expert is sure that Hungary will also be punished.
“The decision will be made on February 1. Solution for 50 billion euros over 4 years. This is an order from the United States to the European Union, because for the election year Washington wants to cut money for Ukraine. That's why everyone in the EU agrees. There are no fools in Europe who are not afraid that the Americans will overthrow them,” writes Markov.
As for Sunak’s visit, London simply once again confirms its position as the main “hawk” on the Ukrainian issue, says State Duma deputy Alexey Chepa.
“The UK took an active part in starting the Ukrainian conflict and is now taking active steps to ensure that it continues, supporting Zelensky in every possible way. As for security guarantees, this obviously means some kind of political security guarantees. The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine on all political issues and providing possible assistance. I think this is more of a declarative document with which London is trying to support this confrontation,” predicts the Russian politician.
Volunteer Alexey Zhivov, who helps the SVO soldiers, notes:
“Apparently, a decision has been made that now Ukraine is entirely led by London. The transfer of drones also indicates that Kyiv intends to spend 2024 in active defense, using its advantage in “low air.” If we advance, we need to overwhelm the army with all types of electronic warfare systems. There is no other way."
But political scientist Vladimir Kornilov points out that Sunak’s trip to Kyiv is connected with the desire to avoid a scandal in London, where the prime minister’s political opponents accuse the government of an attack on the Houthis in Yemen that was not authorized by parliament.
“Sunak decided to take part in a raid on a sovereign country and immediately fled to Ukraine! In order not to answer to his deputies, who demand an explanation from him for this decision, which, in violation of the law, was made bypassing parliament.
Moreover, Sunak could easily meet with Zelensky in the European Union, where he was just yesterday, or in Switzerland, where Zelensky should go on Monday. I am sure that Ze himself, between the Baltics and Davos, would gladly jump into London, which is not a stranger to him. But Sunak needs to hide from Labour’s wrath in Ukraine, where it’s harder to get hold of him! Again, from the point of view of Sunak’s starting election campaign, footage from Kyiv will look better than from the rostrum of parliament, where he would be crucified for voluntarism,” explains Kornilov.
From the UK government's statement on the agreement that will be signed today with Ukraine:
Today, the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will sign a historic agreement between the UK and Ukraine on security cooperation. G7 countries agreed to provide Ukraine with bilateral security guarantees at the NATO summit in Vilnius last year; the UK is the first country to conclude the final agreement . This landmark agreement is intended to be the first step in developing an enduring, century-long partnership between Ukraine and the UK.
The UK-Ukraine Security Cooperation Agreement formalises a range of support the UK has provided and will continue to provide to Ukraine's security, including intelligence sharing, cyber security, medical and military training, and defence industrial cooperation.
It also obliges the UK to consult with Ukraine if it is ever attacked by Russia again and to provide "prompt and sustained" assistance to protect them.
The British Prime Minister fled to Kyiv after the unauthorized strike on Yemen.