After the massive Russian strike, Nato countries to boost Ukraine’s missile defense

After a spate of Russian missile strikes, Nato-led allies of Ukraine have announced deliveries of advanced air defense weapons to Kyiv.

The weaponry promised by France, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands include radars and missiles. Earlier a similar pledge was made by the US. One high-tech system is already in Ukraine from Germany. The pledges come as the allies of Ukraine from 50 countries meet at Nato headquarters in Brussels. Ukraine hailed the summit as "historic".

The UK will donate air defense missiles, and hundreds of aerial drones to support logistics capabilities and information gathering of Ukraine. It will also provide 18 howitzer artillery guns in addition to the 64, which are already delivered. Emmanuel Macron, French President said Paris would supply air defense systems to Ukraine. The Netherlands said it would deliver air defense missiles worth €15m. Canada pledged to provide more than C$47m worth of military aid, including drone cameras and satellite communications.

However, Russia has repeatedly warned Ukraine's allies against supplying advanced weaponry, stressing the action would make them participants in the war that Putin began on 24 February. The West accused Russia of nuclear saber-rattling, following a string of military defeats on the battlefield.