The Minister of Defence of Ukraine stated this during a meeting in Kyiv with the Deputy Head of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom on Military Operations and Strategies, Air Marshal Harvey Smith.

Rustem Umerov noted that the UK has been and remains one of Ukraine's key and most determined allies in the fight against russian aggression. He added that we are grateful to the leadership and people of the UK for their support.

The Ukraine's defense needs were the main topic of the meeting.

“It is critically important for us to prevent the accumulation of enemy forces near our territory. It is equally important to be able to destroy military targets in the russian rear with long-range Western weapons. This might be the only way to protect our people from guided aerial bombs and other destructive air strikes,” said Rustem Umerov.

He noted that the Ukrainian leadership stays in regular communication with partners about the necessity of utilizing long-range weaponry to achieve these goals.

“We discussed with Harvey Smith the ways to swiftly acquire authorization for full use of such weapons,” said the Ukrainian Defence Minister.

According to the Minister, the world has received enough evidence that russia understands only the language of force.

“Together with our allies, we must once again demonstrate determination and the presence of such a force that will stop the aggressor!” Rustem Umerov emphasized.