UK Sends M270 MLRS Dual Rocket Launchers, President Zelensky: Understands The Weapons Ukraine Needs

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the British for arms shipments, called them necessary to confront Russia, appreciated Prime Minister Boris Johnson's understanding.

Britain announced Monday, in coordination with the United States, it will supply Ukraine with a multiple launch rocket system that can strike targets up to 80 km (50 miles) away, as part of new British military assistance to Kyiv.

"I thank Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his full understanding of our demands and our readiness to provide Ukraine with the weapons it needs to protect the lives of our people," President Zelensky said in his evening video address.

President Zelensky and PM Johnson held a telephone conversation in which, Zelensky previously said, the two were "looking for ways to avoid a food crisis and unblock (Ukraine) ports," referring to Russia's naval blockade on Ukraine that prevented Ukraine from exporting its agricultural produce.

As previously reported, the UK will supply Ukraine with a dual launch rocket system that can strike targets up to 80 km (50 miles) away. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said British support for Ukraine would change as Russia's tactics evolved, explaining the provision of the M270 multi-launch system.

"This highly capable multi-launch rocket system will allow our Ukrainian friends to better protect themselves against the brutal use of long-range artillery that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's forces have been using indiscriminately to level cities," Minister Wallace said in a statement.

Ukrainian troops will be trained on how to use the new launchers in the UK, having previously announced that they will train Ukrainian personnel to use armored vehicles.