David Cameron has backed Ukrainian strikes against targets inside Russia using British-supplied weapons.
Speaking in the Ukrainian capital, the foreign secretary said it was Ukraine’s decision on how to use the supplied equipment and Kyiv “absolutely has the right” to strike back.
Britain has supplied billions of pounds worth of equipment, and on a visit to Kyiv, Lord Cameron said: “In terms of what the Ukrainians do, in our view, it is their decision about how to use these weapons, they’re defending their country, they were illegally invaded by Putin and they must take those steps.
“We don’t discuss any caveats that we put on those things.
“But let’s be absolutely clear, Russia has launched an attack into Ukraine and Ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia.”
Lord Cameron in Kyiv. Pic: PA
Asked if that included targets inside Russia, he said: “That’s a decision for Ukraine and Ukraine has that right.
“Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it’s defending itself, it’s getting the Russians out of its country, and it has the ability to strike back.”
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Lord Cameron walks past a display of destroyed Russian military vehicles. Pic: PA
Lord Cameron visited Ukraine following the government announcing its commitment to at least £3bn a year in military support to the country.
He met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to reiterate the Britain’s support for Ukraine.
Lord Cameron said the UK’s donation of military equipment would include precision-guided bombs, air defence missiles and equipment for 100 mobile air defence teams to enable Ukraine to shoot down Russian drones and missiles.
He also confirmed a £36m package of support, including £20m in new emergency funding following recent attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure.