FIRING BLANKS

£520m fund yet to provide military gear to Ukraine after nine months

- BEN GLAZE

VITAL military equipment for Ukraine bought with cash from a £520million British-run fund has still not been sent to Kyiv.

The International Fund for Ukraine has been open to offers from suppliers for nine months.

But so far just three deals have been signed and despite Ukraine appealing for arms as it prepares for a crunch counter-offensive against Russia, none of the gear has been handed over.

Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: "The Prime Minister claims Britain is accelerating support' of military help but the Government is on a go-slow with this weapons fund.

"Nine months on and still no new equipment delivered. I fear ministers are letting momentum behind UK military support flag and risking the UK's reputation with NATO allies.