London: 2025 is a critical year for Ukraine

2025 is a "critical" year for Ukraine, which is fighting a Russian invasion. This was stated by British Defense Minister John Healy at a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine Defense at NATO headquarters in Brussels, The Telegraph reports.

"2025 is a critical year for the war in Ukraine. It is time for our defense industry to step up and make it happen; it is time for our military to step up and make it happen; "It's time for our governments to step up and that's happening," Healey said.

The British minister noted that the allies are sending a message to Ukraine that "we are with you in the fight and we will be with you in peace." This is also a message to Russia, which is waging a bloody war.

Opening the meeting at NATO headquarters, Healey also said:

"Today, in this Contact Group with Ukraine, we are stepping up our support for Ukraine in the fight. Our task as defense ministers is to get urgent military assistance to Ukrainian fighters. And to those countries that are not making new commitments today, I urge you to take another look, to consider carefully what else you can do. All military aid now will help Ukraine in today's fight and help secure a lasting peace tomorrow, because the Ukrainian armed forces must be their strongest deterrent against further Russian attacks."

Britain works to strengthen its defenses

Bloomberg earlier reported that Britain and France would accelerate military planning for a "coalition of the willing" aimed at helping defend Ukraine after a possible ceasefire. Over the next two weeks, the countries will focus on ensuring Ukraine's security in the air, at sea and on land.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that the United Kingdom has tested a new missile that is "critically important" to the defense of Europe. It is noted that the engine of this missile will provide "transformational potential" that will provide an operational advantage for the future British armed forces.