Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addresses the Munich Security Conference
(Picture: PA Wire)Rishi Sunak has said it is “entirely reasonable” for NATO to provide long-range weapons that would help Ukraine “have a counter-offensive that moves Russia outside of its own country”.
Asked whether the UK would send weapons that could hit Russian-annexed Crimea, he told the Munich Security Conference: “Those are all the things that will allow Ukraine to defend itself and repel Russian aggression.
“And, indeed, yes, to have a counter-offensive that moves Russia outside of its own country.
“I think that’s entirely reasonable and we should be fully behind Ukraine in that ambition, and want that ambition to succeed.”
He added: “We have a moment and for everyone who says we want Ukraine to win and Russia must fail – if you believe that, then you must act now.
“Because now is the moment to accelerate and increase supplies of, as I have said, those four key things – longer-range weapons, artillery, armoured vehicles and air defence.
“Those are the critical things we need now and that’s how we’re going to turn this thing around and ensure Ukraine does win.”
Mr Sunak also said the UK would be ready to assist any nation in sending aircraft to the war-torn country after being told by an audience member it was the "prayer" of all Ukrainians to be provided with F-16 fighter jets.
"We have a moment and for everyone who says we want Ukraine to win and Russia must fail - if you believe that, then you must act now.
"Because now is the moment to accelerate and increase supplies of, as I have said, those four key things - longer-range weapons, artillery, armoured vehicles and air defence.
"Those are the critical things we need now and that’s how we’re going to turn this thing around and ensure Ukraine does win."
He added: "On fighter jets and provision, that’s what we’ve announced we’re doing - we’ve started to train Ukrainian pilots on NATO-standard aircraft but also in tactics.
“Look, with jets, everyone knows there are complications in the provision of particular types of aircraft because of everything that comes alongside that, but what we’ve said very clearly is where other countries are able to provide aircraft immediately, the United Kingdom will happily support them."
He added: “That would be my pitch to everyone … is do what we are doing, join the countries that are providing that support, intensifying and accelerating it now … I think the alternative is far worse.
“We are all united in wanting Ukraine to win and if there’s an opportunity to do that sooner, and take advantage of the moment that we have, why would we not seize it? What are we waiting for?”
Earlier this month, the Ukrainian President used a trip to London to push his calls for the West to provide fighter jets.
Mr Sunak said “nothing was off the table” when asked about the demand. Separately, The Challenger 2 tanks the UK is supplying to Ukraine are expected to arrive in the war-torn country at the end of March, a defence minister has said.
