But western military analysts say the most direct route for Russia to attack Kyiv is from Belarus, a manoeuvre that would circumvent the Dnieper river that runs through Ukraine’s capital. Some Russian troops have begun to move into Belarus for planned military exercises, named United Resolve. Russia has massed over 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, demanding that the country never become a member of Nato and insisting on other security guarantees that would amount to the creation of a sphere of influence for Moscow in former Soviet states. Until recently the UK has focused on selling ships and naval equipment to Ukraine, announcing a £1.7bn deal to supply two mine sweepers and jointly build eight ships for its small Black Sea fleet last year. The latest arms consignment represents a step up from existing British military commitments. “We are ready to discuss issues related to mutual security concerns and engage constructively, in good faith,” the British minister said. Wallace also said he would invite his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, for bilateral talks in London, although it was far from clear whether the meeting would take place. John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, described them as “anti-tank weapons” and said the UK must ensure they “won’t be used, unless Russia invades”. Labour said it supported the announcement, on which it had been briefed in advance. In theory, the lighter weapons can knock out a tank by striking it from above. They have similar capabilities, but are not as powerful as Javelin anti-tank missiles, supplied by the US to Ukraine from 2018. However, experts said the arms supplied were likely to be handheld next-generation light anti-tank weapons, with a range of a few hundred metres, intended to help combat Russia’s tank-heavy army. UK defence sources would not immediately spell out what weapons had been supplied and how many. “Let me be clear: this support is for short-range and clearly defensive weapon capabilities they are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia they are to use in self-defence,” Wallace added.
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