British DM calls on allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense before winter

British Defence Minister Wes Streeting has urged allies to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities before the onset of winter, according to Ukrinform. In an article for The Sunday Times, Streeting warned that winter should no longer be viewed merely as a season, but as a weapon. He visited Ukraine last week to discuss preparations amid Russian shelling.

Russia has frequently targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the cold season in previous years. Despite Putin's current losses in the war, Streeting noted that Ukrainians are acutely aware of winter's potential to turn the tide. He returned from Kyiv with a clear understanding of what Ukraine needs to survive that winter.

Streeting pledged that the United Kingdom would provide necessary resources if possible, and would work with allies to secure such assistance where it couldn't. He emphasized that this should include a significant increase in air defense resources. The next meeting of the "Ramstein" Contact Group, co-chaired by Streeting and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, is expected in September, with a focus on supplying air defense systems.

Recently, on July 5, Zelensky and Streeting discussed the UK's aid in defending Ukrainian cities during a meeting in Kyiv.