Sunak pledges extra $3.2 bn for Ukraine on Kyiv visit

(ANSA-AFP) - KYIV, JAN 12 - Visiting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday announced £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) in new military aid for Ukraine, saying it sent a "strong signal" of UK support for the war-torn nation. The funding package for the coming year is £200 million higher than the £2.3 billion pledged per year in both 2022 and 2023. It will ensure the "largest ever commitment of drones", Sunak's office said in a statement. The UK prime minister said the aid was designed "to send a strong signal of support to the Ukrainian people".
    Russian President Vladimir Putin "needs to recognise we're not going anywhere", he added. "I'm here with one clear message: the United Kingdom stands with Ukraine," he said after touring damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital. (ANSA-AFP).