UK Defence Secretary: 2024, a critical year for the war in Ukraine

2024 is a very important year in terms of the war in Ukraine, the Secretary of State for the Armed Forces at the UK Ministry of Defence, Leo Docherty, said in Bucharest while visiting Romania.

He underlined how essential the joint effort to support Ukraine is as the country fights for its sovereignty.

Leo Docherty: I think this is going to be a critical year in terms of ensuring that the Ukrainians can strengthen their position and defend themselves properly, particularly as we approach the NATO summit in July. What we have tried to do is to set an example by making sure that we give Ukraine any ammunition, technology or equipment that is available. Your government has been extremely generous. We appreciate its generosity and its dynamism in supporting Ukraine. It is our responsibility, all of us, given the seriousness of the operational situation in Ukraine, to see what we can do, because we have to look at this conflict in terms of years, not months. This will be an important year and all friends of Ukraine must see what they can offer.

Leo Docherty is in Bucharest for the second time, after his first visit as foreign minister.

He pointed out that he has also held talks with the Romanian Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff.

Translated by: Radu Matei