In a recent unexpected visit to Kyiv, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to sustaining military support for Ukraine.
This announcement comes amidst a global shift in focus towards the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Cameron, who previously served as Prime Minister, made this assurance during his first international tour in his new role as foreign minister.
His itinerary included stops in both Kyiv and Odesa, a strategic southern port city. This visit underscores the UK’s ongoing solidarity with Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in early 2022.
Cameron emphasized the UK’s dedication to providing Ukraine with comprehensive support, encompassing moral, diplomatic, economic, and especially military assistance.
He stressed this support would persist “not just this year, and next year, but for however long it takes,” countering the notion that Western interest might wane over time.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about a noticeable reduction in military supplies from Western allies.
He pointed out a particular decline in the availability of 155-millimetre artillery shells, crucial in the conflicts in eastern and southern Ukraine. Zelensky attributed this to depleted stockpiles and legal limitations on reserve quantities in Western nations.
During their meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Cameron for visiting amidst a global focus shift.
He highlighted the challenge posed by the diverted international attention, which impacts the visibility and support for Ukraine’s situation.