IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System (FILE PHOTO)
Thu 13 October 2022:
As Russia continues to pound Ukrainian cities with missiles in the aftermath of the Kerch bridge explosion, France and UK has said it will deliver radar and air defence systems to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
According to reports, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron made the announcement during an interview with a local news channel.
“This is a new phase of bombing coming from land, sea, air and drones against essential infrastructure and civilians,” said Macron before adding, “We’re going to deliver… radars, systems and missiles to protect them from these attacks.”
The French PM added that France is also willing to send six Caesar mobile artillery units to Ukraine.
The French PM also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin must ‘return to the table’ to discuss peace between the two warring nations.
“Today, first of all, Vladimir Putin must stop this war, respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and come back to the table for talks.”
UK will send air defence missiles to Kyiv
Britain on Wednesday joined the list of countries to have come forward in the last few days and pledged to donate air defence systems to Ukraine in the wake of incessant Russian missile attacks.
Reportedly, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace informed about the decision saying the UK will provide Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) to Kyiv, ahead of a key NATO meeting scheduled to take place today.
“Russia’s latest indiscriminate strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine warrant further support to those seeking to defend their nation. So today I have authorised the supply of AMRAAM anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine.”
He added that other air defence missiles alongside aerial drones and a further 18 howitzer artillery guns will be sent.
Germany said that it has sent the first of four IRIS-T air defence systems to Kyiv, with the country’s defence minister Christine Lambrecht calling it a “very important support for Ukraine in the fight against missile attacks”
A day before the NATO pledge, Zelensky had made an impassioned speech at the emergency G7 meeting.
“I am asking you to strengthen the overall effort to help financially with the creation of an air shield for Ukraine. Millions of people will be grateful to the Group of Seven for such assistance,” said the Ukrainian leader.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already threatened more ‘severe’ attacks on Ukraine. Putin issued the warning in televised comments addressed to his security council.
“Let there be no doubt,” Putin said, “if attempts at terrorist attacks continue, the response from Russia will be severe.”
Russia’s missile strikes across Ukraine on Monday were the first major military response from Russia after the explosion on the Kerch bridge.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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