Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what further steps he plans to take to assist Ukraine to neutralise the use of long-range artillery against civil and military targets by Russian armed forces; whether equipment, supplied to Ukraine by the UK for this purpose, will include unmanned aerial vehicles and other smart munitions; and if he will make a statement.  [17856]

[Due for Answer on 20 June]

ANSWER

The Minister for the Armed Forces (James Heappey): The UK has already committed £1.3 billion for military operations and has provided lethal aid that has assisted the Ukrainians to defend itself and its sovereignty. This military aid includes counter-battery radar and a range of unmanned aerial systems. We have recently announced, that we will be providing multiple launch rocket systems which will provide Ukraine with a significant boost in capability. Ministers have kept the House updated regularly on the situation in Ukraine and will continue to do so.