Ukraine hails outgoing UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace for 'outstanding support' amid war

On Thursday, Ben Wallace stepped down from the role of the United Kingdom's defence minister, but left behind his significant contributions to the British military and nations that seek its support. To express gratitude for his service and efforts, the Ukrainian defence ministry took to X to share a clip.

The 46-second video montage captures Wallace's "outstanding support" for Ukraine as the country resists Russian attacks. It also thanked the 53-year-old for helping in the supply of critical weapons such as Challenger 2 tanks, Storm shadow missiles, and Starstreak MANPADS. 

Thank you, dear @BWallaceMP!
Together, we will win. pic.twitter.com/3hcRrrBONU

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 1, 2023

In Wallace's tenure, the United Kingdom became the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. "Thank you, dear @BWallaceMP! Together, we will win," the ministry captioned the clip. The post comes a day after Wallace resigned, leaving his top post to former energy minister to the UK, Grant Shapps. 

Ben Wallace announces his resignation

Announcing his decision on X, Wallace wrote, “That’s all folks! Been a privilege to serve this great nation." In the letter, he noted that he is leaving the forces “more modern, better funded and more confident” since he took office in 2019. While he did not specify any particular reason behind his move, he said that he is quitting "due to personal reasons" that he neglected during his tenure.

“The Ministry of Defence is back on the path to being once again world-class with world-class people,” he said, adding that he wants to now "invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities.” He is said to have resigned days before the UK Cabinet is set for a reshuffle. 

Bidding adieu to his defence secretary, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed Wallace's “strategic foresight” in dealing with the war between Russia and Ukraine. He further highlighted that Wallace  played “an instrumental role” in the withdrawal of British forces from Afghanistan in 2021.