In a column for The Times, UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called on Kiev’s allies to speed up deliveries of missiles for Ukrainian air defence systems ahead of winter.
Streeting said Western countries need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences now to prepare them for the coming winter period, with additional missile supplies as the main priority.
He said Britain would provide the resources it can, while also working to mobilise allies where London is unable to meet Ukraine’s needs on its own.
Earlier, officials in Britain said Ukraine could no longer repel Russian strikes independently because its missile stocks had been depleted. Initial optimism over reports that Washington was prepared to grant Kiev a licence to manufacture Patriot missiles later gave way to more cautious assessments.
Vladimir Zelensky had also urged Germany and Poland to transfer Patriot missiles from their own stocks to Ukraine, arguing that those countries were in a position to provide substantial support.
Zelensky has repeatedly criticised Western partners over delays in supplying interceptor missiles. He has said those delays prevent Ukrainian air defences from effectively intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.