UK pledges troops to provide training and extra weapons to Ukraine

British defence secretary has revealed 'small number' of troops will be sent to train Ukrainian personnel

An Ukrainian soldier stands at the line of separation from pro-Russian rebels in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. AP

Britain is providing further “self-defence” weapons and training to Ukraine amid concerns over a possible Russian invasion.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said light anti-armour defensive weapons systems would be supplied to Ukraine, with a “small number” of UK personnel travelling to the country to provide training.

He told MPs there is “real cause of concern” over the scale of the force being assembled by the Kremlin, which is supported by Russian air and maritime forces.

Russia’s presence and levels of readiness are contributing to a “destabilising and coercive atmosphere that risks miscalculation at best and at worst conflict”, Mr Wallace added.

He invited his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, to visit London “in the next few weeks” to discuss “issues related to mutual security concerns and engage constructively in good faith”.

After highlighting previous work as part of Operation Orbital, the UK’s training mission in Ukraine, Mr Wallace outlined the new support being provided.

“In light of the increasingly threatening behaviour from Russia and in addition to our current support, the UK is providing a new security assistance package to increase Ukraine’s defensive capabilities,” he told the Commons.

“We have taken the decision to supply Ukraine with light anti-armour defensive weapons systems.

“A small number of UK personnel will provide early stage training for a short period of time, within the framework of Operation Orbital, before returning to the United Kingdom.

“This security assistance package complements the training capabilities Ukraine already has and those that are also being provided by the UK and other allies in Europe and the United States.

“Ukraine has every right to defend its borders and this new package of aid further enhances its ability to do so.”

He emphasised, however, that “this support is for short-range and clearly defensive weapon capabilities; they are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia; they are to use in self-defence".

Mr Wallace reiterated there is a “package of international sanctions ready to go” should any “destabilising action” by Russia in Ukraine take place.

He noted any invasion will be viewed as an “occupation”, and added: “I fear it could lead to a huge loss of life on all sides.

“The current difficult relationship with the Kremlin is not the one we wish it to have with the United Kingdom, it does not have to be this way.”

Mr Wallace went on to say: “We wish to be friends with the Russian people as we have been for hundreds of years. And there is a world in which we can establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Russia.

“I still remain hopeful that diplomacy will prevail. It is President Putin’s choice whether to choose diplomacy and dialogue, or conflict and the consequences.”