Ukraine is finally receiving the weaponry it says it needs to initiate a long-awaited counteroffensive.
The UK has pledged to donate long-range missiles, with the assurance Kyiv would only use these within Ukraine and not in Russian territory.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says Ukraine has a right to be able to defend itself.
"The use of Storm Shadow will allow Ukraine to push back Russian forces based within Ukrainian sovereign territory. Russia must recognise that their actions alone have led to such systems being provided to Ukraine. It is my judgement as the defence secretary that this is a calibrated and proportionate response to Russia's escalations."
Former US ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst, says the UK's missile supply will make a huge difference in Ukraine's fight.
"The importance of the Brits' decision to send these is that hopefully what it gives Ukraine a capacity of doesn't it have and two, maybe it will help persuade Washington to overcome its timidity and send the land-based attacking missiles which also have a range of 300 kilometres. If Ukraine would receive those alongside of the British cruise missiles, I think that would almost guarantee a very successful counter-offensive this summer and fall, and if the US were also to overcome its timidity and send the F-16s, that would guarantee success."
Download the free SBS Audio app to listen live and on-demand or explore podcasts.
https://podfollow.com/sbs-japanese
Visit our Facebook for more Japanese stories and images.
