The British Armed Forces are doubling their medical assistance to support brave Ukrainian soldiers after US President Donald Trump's harsh attacks on Kyiv leader Volodymyr Zelensky
The British military is stepping up its multi-million pound medical aid package to save the lives of Ukrainian troops and help them recover from fighting. After three years of intense clashes, Ukrainian soldiers are being effectively funnelled out of the conflict zone and into health facilities away from the violence.
But amid the conflict between President Trump and Ukraine’s brave President Zelensky, Britain is stepping up its efforts to help Ukraine. The UK Ministry of Defence has unveiled a £20m programme to boost medical support for Kyiv’s often seriously injured troops. The Renovator project includes vital training for Ukrainian surgeons and will help rebuild a military hospital damaged by Russian bombing.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “As we mark three years of this brutal conflict, Putin continues to wage a war he thought he could win in three days, thanks to the stubborn resistance of ordinary Ukrainians – both soldiers and civilians. At this critical moment, the Ukrainians need our support to keep fighting and to strengthen their country ahead of any negotiations. That is why we are stepping up our British leadership and vital medical support for Ukraine’s brave fighters. Our support for them is unwavering.
“I am proud of the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine both now and in the future, and this new investment in Ukraine’s military medical services will ensure that the UK’s best practice is applied to ensure that wounded service personnel receive the best possible care.” The UK is also calling on its allies to support and expand this work as part of NATO’s wider Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine.
From performing life-saving surgeries to providing advanced prosthetics, physiotherapy and post-operative care, the rehabilitation hospital will be a significant improvement to Ukraine's current medical services, with Ukrainian surgeons, doctors and nurses being trained in the UK. The announcement comes on the third anniversary of Putin launching his illegal full-scale invasion.
This is in addition to £12.8 billion in military, humanitarian and economic aid to the UK since the full-scale invasion began. The support stands in stark contrast to Russia’s well-known mistreatment of Russian victims and veterans. This neglect has led to incidents of crime and violence when they return from the frontline.
Although a small number of British staff have been working on the project in Ukraine, around 100 Ukrainian surgeons, doctors and nurses will be sent to the UK this year to receive further medical training. As well as a major refurbishment, the improvements include more than £300,000 in new sports equipment and £400,000 in prosthetics and related equipment.
Minister for Veterans and the People, Alistair Carnes DSO, OBE, MC, said: “The UK Armed Forces are experts in defence health and rehabilitation services, having pioneered this field during the Second World War. These services are absolutely vital in providing veterans with the support they need to get back to normal life after serving on the frontline, particularly if they have been injured.
“In particular, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall is a world-leading facility and I am proud that the equipment and skills of our staff are being put to good use in supporting Ukraine.” This year, the UK will provide £4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine – more than ever before.
Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary unveiled a new £150m firepower package that includes drones, tanks and air defence systems. The UK government has delivered more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, 150 artillery tubes and 10 AS90 self-propelled howitzers. Air defence support includes 17 Gravehawk systems, 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and £68m for radar and counter-drone technology.
The UK has also invested £7.5m in drone technology and continues to train more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops as part of Operation Interflex. Naval support is worth £92m, including drones, unmanned vessels, loitering munitions
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
