UK hands over Ukraine more than 1000 Vallon metal detectors

The UK has handed over more than 1000 Vallon metal detectors and 100 bomb de-arming kits to Ukraine.

The press release on the website of the British government notes that this equipment is necessary for demining to ensure that the reclaimed Ukrainian territories, including civilian houses and infrastructure, are safe.

These deliveries will become the last within the support that the UK has provided to Ukraine during 2022 and which will continue in 2023.

Vallon metal detectors can assist the military in detecting minefields and clear travel routes.

They will also help in ensuring civilian infrastructure and homes are cleared of explosive objects, allowing people to safely return to their homes in the de-occupied areas.

In turn, explosive disposal kits are designed to neutralize the fuze from unexploded Russian bombs, ammunition and improvised explosive devices.

“Russia’s use of landmines and targeting civilian infrastructure underline the shocking cruelty of Putin’s invasion. This latest package of UK support will help Ukraine safely clear land and buildings as it reclaims its rightful territory, ” the Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, said.

This equipment is one of the latest in a wide range of equipment that the UK has transferred to Ukraine to support its fight against a full-scale invasion of Russia, the British government noted.

More than 11,000 UAF troops were trained in the UK in 2022.

This assistance in training the Ukrainian military is planned to continue in the coming year with the support of international partners. Thus, the infantry training program now aims to train up to 20,000 personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2023.

Britain has also recently provided a significant air defense assistance package, including over 1,000 anti-aircraft missiles and 125 anti-aircraft guns.

In total, the UK provided £2.3 billion of military aid to Ukraine in 2022. The British government pledged to maintain the same level of aid in 2023.