Storm Shadow, the 100-Year Partnership, and the Case for Closing Ukraine’s Skies — Interview with Jack Lopresti

Former British MP Jack Lopresti, now fighting alongside Ukraine's Azov Regiment, has been leading a delegation to the British Parliament to campaign for the release of over 600 Mariupol defenders held captive in Russian prisons. Speaking with Henry Keen, Lopresti criticizes Western hesitation and urges a "Coalition of the Willing" to deploy air assets, including Western fighter jets, to protect Ukrainian airspace from Russian drones and cruise missiles.

Lopresti reveals the UK's role in providing Storm Shadow long-range missile strikes, bilateral combat-drone production, and the FREYJA anti-ballistic system. He also highlights the revolutionary role of Ukrainian military innovation, which has put Ukraine at the forefront.

While acknowledging the £752 million military aid package announced by the UK on June 18th, Lopresti criticizes the reluctance of some allies and friends to support Ukraine. He suggests that industrial capacity and fear of escalating conflicts with Putin may be factors in this reluctance.

Lopresti emphasizes the importance of the 100-Year Partnership agreement, which was signed when he enlisted in the Ukrainian military, as well as the political, cultural, and mutual commitment to Ukraine's continued independence and freedom. He stresses that Europe is undoubtedly learning from the efforts being made on the ground in Ukraine.