Britain will send Ukraine longer-range rockets

Britain is sending cutting-edge rocket systems to Ukraine that can strike targets 50 miles away as part of efforts to help the country defend itself against a new onslaught from Russia.

The multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) come with precision-guided rockets. The rockets are deployed with pinpoint accuracy and the steel blast-fragmentation cases are designed for low collateral damage.

Britain is sending them after a request from Ukraine for longer-range weapons to counter Russian heavy artillery, which has been used to devastating effect in the eastern Donbas region. Ben Wallace, defence secretary, said Britain’s continued support would help Ukraine win the war, despite the Russian onslaught in the east and the first assault on Kyiv for weeks.

The decision was co-ordinated with the US following its decision to supply Ukraine with high-mobility artillery rocket systems last week, which more than doubled its artillery range. Previously the most advanced American-supplied artillery was a howitzer with a range of 18 miles.

In a sign of the sensitivity of the decision to equip Ukraine with such powerful weapons, its leaders were asked for assurances that they would not use the weapons against targets inside Russia, which could provoke a wider conflict with Moscow.

Wallace said: “The UK stands with Ukraine in this fight and is taking a leading role in supplying its heroic troops with the vital weapons they need to defend their country from unprovoked invasion. If the international community continues its support, I believe Ukraine can win.

 “As Russia’s tactics change, so must our support to Ukraine. These highly capable multiple-launch rocket systems will enable our Ukrainian friends to better protect themselves against the brutal use of long-range artillery, which Putin’s forces have used indiscriminately.” Ukrainian troops will be trained with the rocket launchers in the UK.

Britain has provided Ukraine with thousands of anti-tank missiles, anti-air systems and armoured vehicles since the war began on February 24.

Ukraine hopes that such weapons will prove game-changing in the eastern Donbas, where the conflict has become a punishing duel of competing artillery systems favouring Russian range and firepower.

The Kremlin accused Washington last week of “adding fuel to the fire”. It said that supplying Kyiv with rocket launchers did not encourage peace talks.

Britain also announced a second package of support to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into war crimes committed in Ukraine. Dominic Raab will announce a specialist legal and police team, on top of £1 million funding already provided.

This will include a Metropolitan Police officer stationed in the Hague providing the ICC with swift access to further British police and military expertise. Lawyers experienced in international criminal law could also assist.