Britain in talks to sell missiles in first arms deal with Ukraine

Emblem of the Ukrainian Navy

Britain is in discussions with Ukraine to sell it weapons for the first time amid concerns that Russia could exploit the gas crisis to seize territory. Under the plans, Britain would provide surface-to-surface missiles for Ukrainian patrol boats and missiles for aircraft as the nations increase co-operation after Brexit. The Ministry of Defence is discussing the sale of surface-to-surface maritime Brimstone missiles designed by MBDA UK that can hit “swarms” of targets simultaneously and would be deployed on vessels that the Ukrainian navy has in service. The proposals come amid anxiety in the Ukrainian defence ministry that Russia could try to exploit the gas crisis to seize more of its territory. A Ukrainian diplomat told The Times that any escalation in fighting between Russia and Ukraine would have “unpredictable consequences” for European security, as details emerged of plans for a new arms deal between the UK and the Ukraine.

As it stands today Russia depends on sending its gas supplies to the EU through Ukraine. However, Russia’s new Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will divert gas flows to the north and Putin will no longer need Ukraine’s co-operation. Even though the pipeline is complete no gas is flowing yet because it needs German government sign off. But it will happen at some point. As soon as it is switched on Ukraine could well be in trouble. Experts say they believe the main reason Russia has not tried to take the rest of Ukraine was because it was reliant on the country acting as a transit for its gas pipelines to Europe. Eastern Ukraine was once part of ancient Magog – the territory of the Scythians – which also covered southern Russia. Ezekiel 38 tells us the Gog is “of the land of Magog”. So it is highly likely Russia will take Eastern Ukraine at some point.

The word of the Lord came to me:

  “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him and say:

‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

I am against you, Gog, chief prince of[b] Meshech and Tubal Jewish historian Josephus identified the Gog and Magog people as Scythians. (Ezekiel 38:1-2)

Andy Walton

 

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