US can’t foot the bill to keep UK and Europe safe, says Sunak

Rishi Sunak has warned other European countries they must spend more on defence if Ukraine is to be protected from Russian aggression, writes Nick Gutteridge in Warsaw.

Speaking on a visit to Poland, the Prime Minister said it was important for Europe to “invest in its own security”.

“When it comes to Ukraine we can’t lose sight of the fact that, on any level, what has happened so far has been a strategic failure from Russia,” he told reporters.

“Fundamentally we’re in a situation where defence spending is rising across Europe, the West is united and Nato has two new members, I don’t think anyone could say anything other that that has been a strategic failure for Russia. 

“But it is important that we continue to support Ukraine and the UK has always led in that; first to provide lethal weapons, first to provide battle tanks, first to train troops; first to provide long range weapons, first to train pilots, first to sign a bilateral long-term security agreement, so we have continued to lead, again we’re stepping up because that is what the situation demands and requires.”

He added: “And if we are joined by other European partners in that, it is important that Europeans invest in their own security. Very welcome news over the weekend from the US but that doesn’t take away from the need for Europeans to invest in their security. 

“I am very proud that the UK has always led in that regard. We are Europe’s largest defence spender and one of the few countries that’s consistently met the 2 per cent Nato pledge and today’s action is another example of us leading by example.”