During a visit to Odesa on Sunday, July 7, less than 48 hours after his appointment, newly appointed UK Defense Secretary John Healey pledged to step up the UK's support for Ukraine and announced a new package of military assistance, containing Brimstone missiles, the UK Ministry of Defense said on the UK Government website.

"There may have been a change in government, but the UK is united for Ukraine. As the new Defense Secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain's support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid. Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes," the minister was quoted as saying.

Following a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov, Healey announced that the UK would provide a new package of support to the country, including more artillery guns, a quarter of a million ammunition rounds and nearly 100 precision Brimstone missiles.

The Defense Secretary also pledged to fast-track military support committed for Ukraine in April to arrive within the next 100 days.

Upon taking office the Defense Secretary immediately asked for extra support to be provided to Ukraine which was readily available and meets their needs for the battlefield against Russia.

"This new package includes: a quarter of a million of 50 caliber ammunition, 90 anti-armor Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats to support river and coastal operations, 40 de-mining vehicles, 10 AS-90 artillery guns, 61 bulldozers to help build defensive positions, support for previously gifted AS-90s, including 32 new barrels and critical spares which will help Ukraine fire another 60,000 155mm rounds," the ministry said in the statement.