Join NATO
Speaking to Bloomberg at the Munich Security Conference, Sunak endorsed the idea of Ukraine eventually joining NATO, but stressed that before then there must also be a plan to ensure the country’s security.
According to the British Prime Minister, we must think about the future and the protection of Ukraine. “This is a conversation we need to start having, because the top of Vilnius is a good place to wrap up,” Sunak said. NATO leaders will meet in the Lithuanian capital on 11 and 12 July.
“Inflection Point”
Sunak also called on Ukraine’s allies to send more artillery, long-range weapons, tanks and air defense systems to repel the Russian invasion. Sunak says the war has reached a “tipping point” and that Kiev can gain a decisive advantage if it gets the right weapons.
The British government has been trying to pose as a world leader in the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Britain last month became the first country to commit to sending modern tanks to the war-torn country, a decision that has helped Germany, the United States and other nations do the same.
Political impulse
British tanks will be ready for use in Ukraine as early as March, Sunak said. Earlier this month, the prime minister received a political boost when Volodimir Zelensky paid a surprise visit to the UK, lauding Britain for its support for Ukraine since the start of the war.
The UK is now discussing sending long-range missiles to Ukraine and is also exploring the possibility of sending fighter jets to aid in the long-term war against Russia. British troops are set to begin training Ukrainian pilots in the spring, although Sunak said logistical challenges associated with supporting British aircraft mean fighter jets could not be sent anytime soon.