UK Defense Minister announces “hundreds of air defense missiles” for Ukraine

Following Russia's massive overnight missile and drone attacks on Ukraine on 29 December, UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps announced the dispatch of "hundreds of air defense missiles" for British-donated air defense systems in Ukraine. On the night of 29 December, Russia launched a widespread attack on Ukraine, targeting cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, and others. According to the latest reports, at least 26 people were killed, and over 120 were injured. Shapps, in a statement published on X, described the latest wave of Russian attacks as a "desperate and futile attempt to regain momentum after the catastrophic loss of hundreds of thousands of conscripts" and a prelude to Putin's humiliation as the third year of his "three-day war" begins. Shapps emphasized the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, announcing the shipment of hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles to replenish British air defense systems capable of precisely targeting Russian drones and missiles. He stressed that Putin is mistaken in hoping to "snatch victory from the jaws of defeat."

"Ukraine’s degradation of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has proven it is still in its fight to win. And today's air defense package sends an undeniable message in the face of Russian barbarity that the UK remains absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine," the minister added.

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