London has trained more than 60,000 Ukrainian military personnel since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said on Jan. 15, as reported by German newspaper Bild.
Shapps stated that the UK has engaged about 10 countries to join the program providing training for Ukrainian troops.
Read also: Britain to send 20,000 troops to NATO training
He reiterated that the “future global order” is at stake, with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin believing the West “lacks resilience.” Therefore, NATO countries should increase their defense spending to at least 2% of GDP.
Read also: Putin won’t halt the war unless totally defeated – Zelenskyy
The UK spends more than GBP 50 billion ($64.66 billion) annually on defense, exceeding the 2% target, Bild notes.
Read also: UK, Ukraine sign 10-year security deal
On Jan. 12, UK PM Rishi Sunak arrived in Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two sides signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement that will remain in effect until Ukraine joins NATO.
Additionally, Sunak announced a record GBP 2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine.
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David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
