Mar 9, 2022: According to a report by Reuters, Britain is planning to supply Ukraine with anti-aircraft missiles to help it defend its skies from Russian invasion, defence minister Ben Wallace said, stressing that the technology fell within the definition of defensive weapons.

Wallace told parliament, “It is vital… that Ukraine maintains its ability to fly and suppress Russian air attack,”

“In response to Ukrainian requests, the government has taken the decision to explore the donation of STARStreak high-velocity man-portable anti-air missiles. We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons, but will allow the Ukrainian force to better defend their skies.”

Wallace said the decision to provide the system was made in principle, and the government was working on how to bring them into Ukraine and train Ukrainian forces to use them. The StarStreak system was created by French firm Thales.

If confirmed, the supply would mark an important step in Britain’s support for Ukraine. So far, Ukraine has praised Britain’s support for thousands of anti-tank missiles that have helped slow down Russia’s advance on Kyiv. However, Britain’s support has been limited to defense weapons.

As a member of the NATO military alliance, Britain has rejected Ukraine’s request for a no-fly zone over the country. Britain says it could mean that NATO forces shoot down Russian planes, which could lead to a significant escalation of the conflict.

The U.S on Tuesday rejected a proposal to allow Poland to donate fighter jets for use in Ukraine.

Poland now says any supply of fighter jets to Ukraine must be done jointly by NATO countries.

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