Summary and Key Points: At the recent NATO summit in Washington, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, pledging £3 billion annually in military aid to help defend against Russian aggression.

-Starmer emphasized the importance of upholding shared values and security, especially in light of Russia's recent missile attack on Ukraine's largest children's hospital.

-The UK's steadfast support continues the legacy of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who played a significant role in rallying European support for Ukraine.

-Despite the ongoing military aid, the Ukrainian forces face challenges, such as an aging volunteer infantry, which complicates efforts to sustain a younger and productive population post-war.

NATO activity in Washington is in full swing. Ukraine also plays a big part in the conversation among the members of the transatlantic defense alliance.

One of the most important pieces of news to come out of the NATO meeting was London’s commitment to Kyiv.

A Strong Commitment of Support for Ukraine

The new British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, reiterated his country’s support for Ukraine. The British leader recommitted to providing Ukraine with £3 billion every year in military aid to help defend against wanton Russian aggression.

“NATO was founded by the generation who defeated fascism. They understood not just the value of our strength, but the strength of our values,” Starmer said.

Russia’s missile attack on Monday against the largest Ukrainian children’s hospital is a reminder of the naked brutality of Russian president Vladimir Putin and his regime, who have carried out repeated war crimes in Ukraine.

“Those values are under attack once again. Putin needs to hear a clear message ringing out from this summit—a message of unity and determination, that we will support Ukraine with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to uphold our shared values and our shared security,” the new British prime minister added.

With the uncertainty of the upcoming U.S. elections, this is an important guarantee for Ukraine.

The United Kingdom has been one of the most stalwart supporters of Ukrainian freedom and independence. Indeed, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was a significant player in rallying support on the continent for the Ukrainian cause in the opening days and weeks of the war. His visit to bombarded Kyiv was one of the first and bolstered Ukrainian morale. Despite his many shortcomings, Johson played an important part in helping Ukraine fight back, and it is important to see that his successors, regardless of political alignment, continue down the same path.

“Visiting Ukraine last weekend, I witnessed first-hand the devastation of Putin’s illegal invasion, but I also experienced the brave and unshakable determination of the Ukrainian people,” John Healy, the new British secretary of state for defense, said.

Where Military Aid Can’t Help Ukraine: Age Issues

In the meantime, however, Ukrainian forces on the front lines are under a lot of strain. The fact that despite nearly 900 days of full-scale war the Ukrainian military is still one of mainly volunteers means that there is often a lack of younger troops.

The average age of a Ukrainian infantryman on the frontlines today is between forty and forty-five. That is something that money and security aid can’t change. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government have considered imposing a military draft or lowering the age requirement for volunteers. However, there needs to be a young and productive population left once the war is over. It is very difficult to balance the need to win the war and the desire to have young people power the country into the future.

About the Author 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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