New UK Defense Secretary visits Odesa, pledges increased support for Ukraine

The new UK Defense Secretary, John Healey, visited Ukraine less than 48 hours after his appointment. During his visit to Odesa on July 7, the Day of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Healey promised to strengthen support for Ukraine.

Despite significant changes in the British government, “the UK is united for Ukraine,” Healey emphasized. “I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain’s support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid. Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes,” the minister said.

Healey met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Head of the President’s Office Andrii Yermak, and military personnel.

The trip to Odesa marked the first foreign visit for the newly appointed minister. “Together, we will build a secure environment in Europe. Your prosperity is our prosperity, your security is our security,” Healey emphasized.

Zelenskyy and Healey discussed implementing a security agreement and preparing a future cooperation agreement between London and Kyiv for the next 100 years. The British minister also announced an additional aid package for Ukraine, including more artillery guns, a quarter of a million rounds of ammunition, and nearly 100 Brimstone precision missiles.

“You have the firmest friend of Ukraine in the United Kingdom. We have the capabilities to step up support for Ukraine,” Healey said. He also noted that the delivery of the largest military aid package in history, promised in April, will be expedited and completed in full within the next 100 days.