May 2022 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Skanska awarded contract to deliver modern British Army vehicle storage facility UK MOD 31 May 2022 -- The Ministry of Defence has awarded Skanska UK a £259 million contract to deliver the Vehicle Storage Support Programme (VSSP) at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury.
£265 million missile upgrade for UK submarines UK MOD 31 May 2022 -- The UK's stock of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles will be upgraded on Royal Navy submarines to ensure the weapon is even more effective against future threats.
PM call with Prime Minister of Pakistan: 30 May 2022 Gov.UK 30 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, today following his recent election.
PM call with Prime Minister of Sri Lanka: 30 May 2022 Gov.UK 30 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon.
FCDO statement on seizure of Greek vessels UK FCDO 30 May 2022 -- The FCDO has released a statement on the seizure of two Greek vessels on the 27 May.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the DPRK US Dept. of State 30 May 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
FCDO statement on China's human rights violations in Xinjiang: 30 May 2022 UK FCDO 30 May 2022 -- An FCDO statement on China's human rights violations in Xinjiang, following a visit to the region by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
PM call with President Zelenskyy: 28 May 2022 Gov.UK 28 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy this morning.
Latest developments in Tajikistan: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 27 May 2022 -- Deputy Ambassador Brown expresses UK's concern about further loss of life in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan this week.
PM call with Prime Minister of Hungary: 27 May 2022 Gov.UK 27 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to Viktor Orbán this evening following his re-election as Prime Minister of Hungary last month.
World Health Assembly 75: UK National Intervention on Ukraine UK FCDO 26 May 2022 -- Ambassador Simon Manley, UK Permanent Representative to the UN and WTO, delivered the UK's national intervention on Ukraine at the 75th meeting of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Report by OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine: UK response, May 2022 UK FCDO 26 May 2022 -- Ambassador Bush praises the vital work of the Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, the only remaining OSCE field operation in the country.
Growing number of civilian casualties in Russia's barbaric war against Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 26 May 2022 -- Ambassador Bush highlights the high number of civilian casualties in Ukraine and calls on the Russian government to respect international humanitarian law.
Putin is waging the war on the Ukrainian people and the foundations of our societies: Foreign Secretary's speech in Sarajevo, May 2022 UK FCDO 26 May 2022 -- At an event with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces, Liz Truss outlined the UK's increased support to counter Russia's malign influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks Visits the United Kingdom DoD 26 May 2022
Protecting progress made in Libya since the 2020 ceasefire agreement UK FCDO 26 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Libya
Minister for Asia statement on North Korea ballistic missile tests UK FCDO 26 May 2022 -- Minister for Asia, Amanda Milling, condemns the latest ballistic missile tests by North Korea on 24 May.
Defence Secretary meets Spanish counterpart in Madrid UK MOD 25 May 2022 -- The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace MP, met his Spanish counterpart today ahead of next month's NATO summit in Madrid.
UK's Partygate report finds 'failures of leadership and judgment' at PM's office Press TV 25 May 2022 -- A long-awaited probe into Britain's lockdown-breaching parties says blame for a "culture" of rule-breaking in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office must rest with those at the helm.
Joint statement on Ukraine's application against Russia at the International Court of Justice Germany Federal Foreign Office 24 May 2022 -- Statement on behalf of Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, European Union:
UK May 'Protect' Ukrainian Freighters From 'Russian Threat' in Black Sea Amid Fears of Global Famine Sputnik 24 May 2022 -- On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the threat of global hunger emanates from the anti-Russian sanctions launched by the West rather than Russia as such. Washington and its allies slapped "severe" sanctions on Moscow over its special military operation in Ukraine, which has been continuing since 24 February.
In Tit-For-Tat Move, Russia Sanctions 154 Members Of Britain's House Of Lords RFE/RL 24 May 2022 -- Russia says it is sanctioning 154 members of the House of Lords, the upper house of the British Parliament, in retaliation for similar steps taken against Moscow's foreign envoys and lawmakers over the Kremlin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Systemic failures of leadership, planning and preparation: MPs slam Government role in UK withdrawal from Afghanistan House of Commons - Foreign Affairs Committee 24 May 2022 -- In a damning report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, MPs say the Foreign Office, the National Security Advisor and Ministers must accept responsibility for the failure to prepare or respond, abandoning the UK's allies and damaging the UK's interests.
Report On Britain's Withdrawal From Afghanistan Points To Failures Of Leadership, Lack Of Planning RFE/RL Gandhara 24 May 2022 -- Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan in August has been sharply criticized as a "disaster and betrayal" in a report by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.
UK withdrawal from Afghanistan was a 'disaster' and 'betrayal', inquiry reveals Press TV 24 May 2022 -- The chaotic and hasty withdrawal of the US-led allied forces from Afghanistan last year, including the British troops, has been described by the UK lawmakers as "systemic failures of leadership, planning, and preparation".
UK Parliament's Foreign Committee Dubs Withdrawal From Afghanistan 'Disaster,' 'Betrayal' Sputnik 24 May 2022 -- The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from Afghanistan was a "disaster" and a "betrayal" of the country's allies, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the UK House of Commons said on Tuesday.
Political progress will be vital in alleviating the economic and humanitarian suffering of the Sudanese people UK FCDO 24 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Sudan
Joint Communiqué: United Kingdom - The State of Qatar Gov.UK 24 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland the Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, The Amir of the State of Qatar, met in London on 24 May, 2022. The Prime Minister welcomed the 50th Anniversary of the UK-Qatar bilateral relations and celebrated the rich and deep history between both countries.
Defence Procurement Minister speech at the Combined Naval Event UK MOD 24 May 2022 -- Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin spoke at the Combined Naval Event 2022 in Farnborough.
Type 45 Ballistic Missile Defence upgrade to support more than 100 UK jobs UK MOD 24 May 2022 -- The UK will become the first European nation to operate a Maritime Ballistic Missile Defence capability that can detect and destroy Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles
Russia imposes personal sanctions against 154 members of UK House of Lords People's Daily 25 May 2022 -- Russia has imposed personal sanctions against 154 members of the British House of Lords in a retaliatory move, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
China's human rights violations in Xinjiang: Foreign Secretary's statement, May 2022 UK FCDO 24 May 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave a statement following new evidence emerging of China's human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Conclusion of Somali electoral process provides opportunity to re-focus on issues of urgent national importance UK FCDO 23 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kairuki at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Somalia
UK and Lithuania commit to closer collaboration to tackle malign regimes UK FCDO 23 May 2022 -- The governments of the UK and Lithuania have signed a Joint Declaration in London on 100 years of bilateral relations.
Liz Truss Defies US Pressure Not to Review Northern Ireland Protocol, Report Says Sputnik 22 May 2022 -- Earlier this week, US House speaker Nancy Pelosi warned that Congress would not support her country's free-trade agreement with the UK if the British government persists with what she described as "deeply concerning" plans to "unilaterally discard" the Northern Ireland Protocol.
UK in talks to arm Moldova 'to NATO standard' to protect it from Russia Press TV 21 May 2022 -- In a move seen as controversial and provocative, Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says the UK intends to send modern weaponry to Moldova in eastern Europe to protect the country from the threat of a Russian "invasion".
Britain's Truss Says Moldova Should Be 'Equipped To NATO Standard' RFE/RL 21 May 2022 -- British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says Moldova should be "equipped to NATO standard" to protect itself against potential Russian aggression.
UK Nuclear Submarines to Reportedly Be Fitted With Additional Ballistic Missiles Sputnik 21 May 2022 -- Earlier this month, London's Ministry of Defence awarded contracts to Rolls Royce and BAE Systems to build four Dreadnought-class submarines, designed to replace Britain's current Vanguard vessels armed with Trident nuclear warheads.
Joint statement on Ukraine's application against Russia at the International Court of Justice Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 May 2022 -- Statement on behalf of Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, European Union
Ukraine's application against Russia before the International Court of Justice: joint statement UK FCDO 20 May 2022 -- The UK government has joined a statement with partners welcoming Ukraine's application against Russia before the International Court of Justice.
UK medical aid donations to Ukraine to reach 11 million items UK FCDO 20 May 2022 -- Latest aid deliveries will double number of medical items donated by the UK.
Joint Expeditionary Force deploys to the Baltics UK MOD 20 May 2022 -- A major UK military headquarters has deployed to the Baltic region in support of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
PM call with President Erdoğan: 20 May 2022 Gov.UK 20 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan this evening to discuss UK-Turkey cooperation and the global response to the conflict in Ukraine.
We urge the Security Council to expand the UN's cross-border mandate in Syria UK FCDO 20 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria
Britain to provide 1.3 bln pounds in military aid for Ukraine People's Daily 20 May 2022 -- The British government will provide 1.3 billion pounds in military aid for Ukraine, the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported Thursday, citing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Pelosi Statement Reaffirming Support of the Northern Ireland Protocol Speaker Pelosi 19 May 2022 -- "The Good Friday Accords are the bedrock of peace in Northern Ireland and a beacon of hope for the entire world. Ensuring there remains no physical border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is absolutely necessary for upholding this landmark agreement, which has transformed Northern Ireland."
PM call with President Zelenskyy: 19 May 2022 Gov.UK 19 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy today to discuss a range of issues, including military support and global food security.
Russia's attack on Ukraine threatens global food security: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 19 May 2022 -- Ambassador Bush highlights the impact of Russia's war on global food security and calls on Russia to stop impeding Ukrainian food production and export.
UK targets Russian airlines with new sanctions UK FCDO 19 May 2022 -- New sanctions on major Russian airlines will prevent them from cashing in on their UK landing slots.
Food security is now top of our agendas since Russia's invasion of Ukraine: UK at the UN UK FCDO 18 May 2022 -- Statement delivered by Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the UN Ministerial Meeting on Global Food Security
Supporting holistic efforts to stabilise the Sahel through security, governance, and development UK FCDO 18 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on peace and security in Africa (G5 Sahel)
New defence BattleLab to drive innovation UK MOD 18 May 2022 -- A new hub designed to spark innovation and push the boundaries of technology used by UK Armed Forces has been officially opened in Dorset today.
UK confirms plan to change N Ireland Protocol amid rising tensions with EU People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- The United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday announced its plan to introduce legislation in the coming weeks to make changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol amid mounting tensions with the European Union (EU) over post-Brexit arrangements.
Calling for rapid progress on the formation of a stable government in Iraq: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 17 May 2022 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation concerning Iraq
EU warns of retaliation if UK presses ahead with plans to ditch NI protocol Press TV 18 May 2022 -- The European Union has threatened to retaliate should the United Kingdom go ahead with its plans to ditch the Northern Ireland protocol.
Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič following today's announcement by the UK Foreign Secretary European Commission 17 May 2022 -- The European Union wishes to have a positive and stable relationship with the United Kingdom. This relationship must be based on the full respect of the legally binding commitments that the two sides have made to one another, based on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Both parties negotiated, agreed and ratified these agreements.
European Leaders Warn UK Against Action on Northern Ireland Customs Checks Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- As part of the 2020 post-Brexit trade deal, the EU demanded guarantees that British goods would not be able to cross land border into member-state Ireland without customs checks. The final agreement allowed Brussels to impose customs checks on goods shipped to Northern Ireland from the mainland.
UK Denies 'Scrapping' Brexit Deal NI Protocol as Proposed Changes Unveiled Sputnik 17 May 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol were necessary to keep the 1999 Good Friday Agreement alive, pointing out that cross-community power-sharing was in jeopardy due to unionist objections to customs checks on goods arriving from the British mainland.
Northern Ireland Protocol: Foreign Secretary's statement, 17 May 2022 UK FCDO 17 May 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss updated the House of Commons on the government's intention to introduce legislation to make changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
UK welcomes Sweden and Finland's NATO membership plans UK FCDO 16 May 2022 -- The UK has welcomed announcements by Sweden and Finland that they intend to apply for NATO membership.
UK threatening to unilaterally scrap part of Northern Ireland protocol, sparking fears of trade war Press TV 16 May 2022 -- Britain is set to propose plans that would allow ministers to unilaterally scrap part of the Brexit deals, despite warnings from Brussels that such unilateral action would represent a breach of international law.
Northern Ireland: The way ahead Gov.UK 16 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson writes in the Belfast Telegraph: The conditions for successful power-sharing have been enhanced by the recent election. Government will do its part but the Executive must be restored now to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Scottish First Minister Sturgeon US Dept. of State 16 May 2022
£30 million dry dock contract supports 300 Scottish jobs UK MOD 16 May 2022 -- £30 million contract for dry-dock maintenance for the Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers has been awarded to Babcock International Group, in Scotland
Lukashenka Performs Balancing Act On Ukraine, Britain's Defense Ministry Says RFE/RL 16 May 2022 -- Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka appears careful to avoid direct involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine out of concern about potential further economic reprisals, retaliation from Kyiv, and possibly discontent among his own armed forces, British intelligence said on May 16.
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with German, UK, and French Counterparts US Dept. of State 15 May 2022
PM urges parties to restore power-sharing institutions on visit to Northern Ireland Gov.UK 15 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson urges parties to restore power-sharing institutions on visit to Northern Ireland.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Russia's War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 14 May 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
Commitments on the Global Food Security Consequences of Russia's War of Aggression against Ukraine - G7 Foreign Ministers, May 2022 UK FCDO 14 May 2022 -- G7 Foreign Ministers discussed the implications of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine on global food security during their meeting in Germany on 14 May 2022.
Statement on Strengthening Anticipatory Action in Humanitarian Assistance - G7 Foreign Ministers, May 2022 UK FCDO 14 May 2022 -- Foreign Ministers from G7 countries released a joint statement on humanitarian assistance following their meeting in Germany, May 2022.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Action Plan on COVID-19 Germany Federal Foreign Office 13 May 2022 -- "We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, have endorsed the following Action Plan:"
Foreign Secretary rallies allies to 'constrain Putin's aggression' during NATO and G7 Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Germany UK FCDO 13 May 2022 -- Liz Truss attends the G7 and NATO Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Germany to use both meetings to galvanise work with allies to win the battle for Ukraine.
Joint Statement of Foreign Ministers on increased Restrictions on the Human Rights of Afghan Women and Girls Germany Federal Foreign Office 13 May 2022 -- Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States:
Joint Declaration to promote bilateral strategic cooperation between the UK and Norway Gov.UK 13 May 2022 -- The United Kingdom and Norway share a long history as neighbours in the North Atlantic with close economic, cultural, and strategic ties. Relations are deeply rooted in shared values, democratic principles, open societies, and open economies. We are committed to working together to increase security, sustainability, and prosperity, in Europe and beyond. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine underscores the importance of Allied and European solidarity, across a wide range of policy areas.
PM meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Støre of Norway: 13 May 2022 Gov.UK 13 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Støre to Downing Street.
Pentagon Urges Congress to Allow Funding of Rare Earths & Mineral Processing in UK, Australia Sputnik 13 May 2022 -- The US has lost its mining and processing dominance over past decades. China remains the world's largest producer of the strategic materials needed to produce consumer electronics and a spate of weapons.
Moscow Warns Russians Not To Travel To 'Unfriendly' Britain RFE/RL 13 May 2022 -- Russian has warned its citizens not to travel to Britain, citing what it called London's "unfriendly course" toward Russia.
U.K. Adds 12 Russians To Sanctions List, Including Putin's Alleged Girlfriend RFE/RL 13 May 2022 -- Britain has added a dozen people to its list of sanctions over Russia's war against Ukraine, this time targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and the network of those around him, including his ex-wife and cousins.
UK sanctions the shady network funding Putin's lavish lifestyle UK FCDO 13 May 2022 -- Today sanctions hit Putin's financial network, tightening the vice on the President and his inner circle.
Russia is trying to distract us with disinformation: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 13 May 2022 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN
British Army on manoeuvres in North Macedonia UK MOD 13 May 2022 -- More than 2,000 members of the British Army's Global Response Force have demonstrated their ability to react to global crises during an exercise with NATO allies.
Defence Secretary meets US counterpart to discuss support for Ukraine UK MOD 13 May 2022 -- The Defence Secretary discussed next steps to help Ukraine defend itself against the Russian invasion during high-level talks in the US this week.
North Korea ballistic missile tests: FCDO statement UK FCDO 13 May 2022 -- A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson responds to the ballistic missile launches carried out by North Korea on 12 May.
UK Buys Soviet, Russian Weapons Across Globe to Send to Ukraine, Defence Secretary Says Sputnik 12 May 2022 -- UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday that London is buying Soviet-era and Russian arms all around the world to deliver it to Ukraine.
Addressing the impact of Russia's war on Ukrainian children: UK at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 12 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine
34th Special Session of the Human Rights Council: The deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression UK FCDO 12 May 2022 -- Simon Manley, UK Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, said that it is clear that Russia's brutal campaign of violence against the Ukrainian people deserves our ongoing attention.
Russian attack on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and cultural property: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 12 May 2022 -- Ambassador Neil Bush calls out Russia for brutal war in Ukraine that shows no distinction between military and civilian targets.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Situation of Women and Girls in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 12 May 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
Statement by Vice President Šefčovič on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland European Commission 12 May 2022
Joint Statement on Syria US Dept. of State 12 May 2022 -- Representatives of the United States, the Arab League, Egypt, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom met in Brussels on May 10, 2022, to discuss the crisis in Syria.
Sweden boosts defense ties with UK ahead of NATO membership decision People's Daily 12 May 2022 -- Sweden strengthened its defense and security ties with Britain with a "political declaration of solidarity" on Wednesday, ahead of the country's historical decision on its NATO membership.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Bilateral Meeting With UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 11 May 2022
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace to the Pentagon DoD 11 May 2022
U.S.-U.K. Leaders Discuss Aid to Ukraine, NATO Issues During Pentagon Meeting DoD News 11 May 2022 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III continued DOD's close cooperation with the United Kingdom as he sat down for Pentagon talks with the UK's Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace today.
PM call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022
Prime Minister signs new assurances to bolster European security: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022 -- The PM is signing declarations with Sweden and Finland today to reinforce their security and fortify northern Europe's defences, in the face of renewed threats.
UK to Sign Agreement With Finland, Sweden to Reinforce European Security, Downing Street Says Sputnik 11 May 2022 -- The United Kingdom is in the process of signing declarations with Sweden and Finland to boost security and fortify northern Europe's defenses, the Downing Street said on Wednesday.
President Niinistö met Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson Finnish President 11 May 2022 -- President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, 11 May 2022.
PM meeting with President Niinistö of Finland: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022
United Kingdom - Finland statement: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022 -- A joint statement by the United Kingdom and Finland on our shared desire for ever deeper defence and security cooperation that is fit for any circumstances.
PM opening remarks at press conference in Finland: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022
PM meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Andersson: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022
UK-Sweden Political Declaration of Solidarity: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022
PM remarks at press conference in Sweden: 11 May 2022 Gov.UK 11 May 2022
Russia behind cyber-attack with Europe-wide impact an hour before Ukraine invasion UK FCDO 10 May 2022 -- UK, EU, US and allies have announced that Russia is responsible for a series of cyber-attacks since the renewed invasion of Ukraine.
Statement by Vice-President Šefčovič on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland following the Queen's Speech and accompanying background briefing notes European External Action Service (EEAS) 10 May 2022 -- "The Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland of the Withdrawal Agreement is an integral part of that relationship. It is the solution found with the current UK government in order to protect the 1998 Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement in all its dimensions and therefore also avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, whilst protecting the integrity of the EU Single Market."
EU warns UK: 'Don't touch' Northern Ireland Protocol Press TV 10 May 2022 -- The deadlock between the United Kingdom and the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland is once again taking center stage, with both sides issuing stern warnings.
PM call with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 10 May 2022 UK FCDO 10 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning.
UK pledges £158 million to support vulnerable Syrians UK FCDO 10 May 2022 -- The UK is pledging up to £158 million to support vulnerable Syrians as well as help mitigate the destabilising impact of the conflict in the region.
North Korea ballistic missile tests: FCDO statement UK FCDO 10 May 2022 -- A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson responds to the ballistic missile launches carried out by North Korea on 4 and 7 May.
Speech by Defence Secretary on Russia's invasion of Ukraine UK MOD 09 May 2022 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP gave a speech at the National Army Museum, London, on Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. - "I know soldiers in the Russian army will not get a voice and there will be thousands of mothers and wives who do not agree with this illegal war, who will be asking themselves why these things happened. They will of course be shamed into silence by the FSB and others. But for them let me read the charge sheet that perhaps should be laid at the feet of the General Staff of the Russian Army: Bad battle preparation, poor operational planning, inadequate equipment and support and most importantly corruption and the moral component."
Statement of the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group Germany Federal Foreign Office 09 May 2022
More than £2 billion to boost UK submarine programme UK MOD 09 May 2022 -- Defence contracts of over £2 billion have been awarded to begin the third major phase of the Dreadnought submarine nuclear deterrent programme
UK imposes fresh sanctions on Russia, Belarus Press TV 09 May 2022 -- The UK has imposed new sanctions on Russia and Belarus over Moscow's military operation in Ukraine including punitive import tariffs on precious metals and export bans.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Hong Kong Chief Executive Selection US Dept. of State 09 May 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
Ukraine President Attends Virtual Meeting with G7 Leaders VOA 08 May 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting virtually Sunday with the Group of 7 leaders, who head the world's largest economies.
Speech by the President of Ukraine at the video conference of the G7 leaders President of Ukraine 08 May 2022
G7 Leaders' Statement The White House 08 May 2022 -- "Today, on 8 May, we, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), alongside Ukraine and the wider global community, commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe and the liberation from fascism and the National Socialist reign of terror, which caused immeasurable destruction, unspeakable horrors and human suffering. We mourn the millions of victims and offer our respect, especially to all those who paid the ultimate price to defeat the National Socialist regime, including the western Allies and the Soviet Union."
Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official on the U.S. and G7 Actions to Impose Additional Severe Costs for Putin's War Against Ukraine The White House 08 May 2022
FACT SHEET: United States and G7 Partners Impose Severe Costs for Putin's War Against Ukraine The White House 08 May 2022
US, Allies Bolster Ukraine Support VOA 08 May 2022 -- The United States and other leading economies in the Group of Seven nations Sunday agreed to ban or phase out the purchase of Russian oil, directly targeting a major source of income for Moscow to pay for its 10-week invasion of Ukraine.
PM call with G7 and European leaders and President Zelenskyy: 8 May 2022 Gov.UK 08 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister addressed G7 and European leaders, alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon, telling them the world must go further and faster to support Ukraine.
UK pledges further £1.3bn military package to Ukraine Press TV 08 May 2022 -- Britain has announced an extra £1.3 billion in military support to Ukraine, ahead of a virtual meeting of Group of Seven (G7) leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 07 May 2022
Former U.K. Labour Leader Corbyn: Ukraine War Is 'Disgraceful' And Russia's 'Wrong At Every Level' RFE/RL 07 May 2022 -- Jeremy Corbyn, the former British opposition leader, says the UN and the West should have been tougher on Russian President Vladimir Putin early on, and expanding alliances like NATO isn't "the best way forward."
We cannot allow Putin's vanity to prolong this senseless war UK FCDO 07 May 2022 -- An article by Foreign Secretary Liz Truss ahead of Victory Day.
Holding Russia accountable for its lies and aggression in Ukraine: UK statement at UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting UK FCDO 06 May 2022 -- Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator, gave a statement at the United Nations Security Council Arria-formula meeting on Ukraine.
Condemning Russia's continued aggression towards Ukrainian civilians - UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 06 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine
MOD awards £155m contract to provide crucial services to UK Armed Forces in Gibraltar UK MOD 06 May 2022 -- The first of a new suite of contracts to provide key services for the UK Armed Forces on overseas Ministry of Defence (MOD) bases has been awarded.
UK local elections: Tories suffer heavy losses in major blow to Johnson Press TV 06 May 2022 -- In a major blow to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Labor party seized control of Conservative strongholds in London first time in decades, and suffered setbacks across England, early results showed.
PM call with President Macron: 6 May 2022 Gov.UK 06 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister spoke to President Emmanuel Macron of France earlier today to congratulate him on his recent election victory.
Japan, UK Sign Anti-China Defense Pact as Tokyo Unveils Anti-Russia Sanctions Sputnik 06 May 2022 -- Concluding a five-nation tour, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in London on Thursday to build trade and military relations with the United Kingdom, penning a new anti-Russia pact and urging City of London investors to put their money into the East Asian island.
Ukrainian leader holds separate talks with British PM, German president People's Daily 06 May 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he had separate conversations with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Readout of U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland's Meeting with Five Eyes Partners and Ukraine's Prosecutor General US Dept. of Justice 05 May 2022 -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met virtually yesterday with Ukraine's Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova, together with the Attorneys General of the Five Eyes countries: the United Kingdom's Attorney General, Suella Braverman; Australia's Attorney General, Michaelia Cash; Canada's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, David Lametti; and New Zealand's Attorney General, David Parker.
UK provides further humanitarian aid focused on most vulnerable in Ukraine UK FCDO 05 May 2022 -- A package of UK support will help reach the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced today.
UK denounces Russia's appalling attempts to legitimise war against Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 05 May 2022 -- Ambassador Neil Bush calls out Russia for attempting to legitimise its war against Ukraine, following reports about a staged 'referendum' planned in Kherson.
PM address at the Brave Ukraine fundraising event: 5 May 2022 Gov.UK 05 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister Boris Johnson attended a 'Brave Ukraine' event this evening in London, which was hosted by the Ukrainian Embassy
PM call with President Zelenskyy: 5 May 2022 Gov.UK 05 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of their regular dialogue.
Russia: UK sanctions major manufacturer of Russian steel UK FCDO 05 May 2022 -- The UK has sanctioned Evraz plc, a major manufacturer of Russian steel.
U.K. Sanctions Russian Steelmaker Partially Owned By Tycoon Abramovich RFE/RL 05 May 2022 -- The U.K. has sanctioned a steel and mining company whose biggest shareholder is billionaire Roman Abramovich as the West continues to financially punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Britain Revokes Recognized Status Of Moscow Stock Exchange In Blow To Russian Investment RFE/RL 05 May 2022 -- Britain has revoked the Moscow Stock Exchange's (MOEX) status as a recognized stock exchange in response to restrictions that the Bank of Russia had placed on foreign investors following the implementation of financial sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
Report from the Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo: UK response, May 2022 UK FCDO 05 May 2022 -- Ambassador Bush praises work of OSCE's Mission to Kosovo on strengthening institutions, local governance, human rights and communities.
The UK remains committed to investing in UN conflict prevention and peacebuilding UK FCDO 05 May 2022 -- Ambassador James Kariuki gave a statement at the UN High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding Financing.
PM meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida: 5 May 2022 Gov.UK 05 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Downing Street this morning to discuss global security and deepening the close bilateral ties.
UK and Japan set to rapidly accelerate defence and security ties with landmark agreement Gov.UK 05 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in London today.
Andriy Yermak discussed security issues and strengthening sanctions against Russia with advisers to leaders of the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France President of Ukraine 04 May 2022
Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 04 May 2022 -- Emma Logan (UK delegation to the OSCE) speaks about the impacts on civilians when critical infrastructure is damaged, including by Russia's war in Ukraine.
Russia's hostile information actions are frankly destabilising the international order UK FCDO 04 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe at the UN General Assembly Committee on Information
Russia cut off from UK services UK FCDO 04 May 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announces a ban on services exports, including management consulting, accounting and public relations, to Russia.
UK donates fleet of armoured vehicles to Ukraine to evacuate civilians from besieged areas UK FCDO 03 May 2022 -- The UK government is sending 13 protective armoured vehicles to Ukraine, to safely evacuate people from the shelled areas in east of the country.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's address to the Ukrainian Parliament: 3 May 2022 Gov.UK 03 May 2022 -- "I have one message for you today: Ukraine will win Ukraine will be free (...) And I can announce today from the UK government a new package of support totalling £300 million, including radars to pinpoint the artillery bombarding your cities, heavy lift drones to supply your forces, and thousands of night vision devices."
"This is Ukraine's finest hour" - PM to address Ukrainian Parliament Gov.UK 03 May 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address Ukraine's Parliament today.
British PM promises £300 million in military aid to Ukraine Press TV 03 May 2022 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has commended Ukraine's resistance against Russia and promised to supply another £300 million in military aid to the former Soviet republic.
UK PM Johnson Announces £300Mln Military Aid Package to Ukraine Sputnik 03 May 2022 -- Britain has delivered hundreds of millions of pounds' worth of military equipment and training support to Ukraine since 2014, including through "Operation Orbital", a secrecy-laden operation over the course of which more than 22,000 Ukrainian troops were trained in the use of portable anti-tank missiles and other weapons.
Reinforcing our support of UN Peacekeeping Initiatives: UK Statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 03 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, on behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to the United Nations 76th General Assembly Fifth Committee Second Resumed Session
Secretary Blinken's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss US Dept. of State 03 May 2022
UK's Johnson to Address Verkhovna Rada, Announce New $375 Million Defense Package to Ukraine Sputnik 02 May 2022 -- Johnson, who personally visited Kiev in early last month, has repeatedly stressed his government's unwavering support of the Ukrainian authorities, including in providing military aid, with humanitarian assistance totaling about $500 million.
UK exposes sick Russian troll factory plaguing social media with Kremlin propaganda UK FCDO 01 May 2022 -- UK-funded expert research has exposed how the Kremlin is using a troll factory to spread lies on social media and in comment sections of popular websites.

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May 2022 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News