Ben Wallace, the UK’s defence secretary, is resigning from politics at the next Cabinet reshuffle. He’s been in the job for four years, weathered three prime ministers and been one of Ukraine’s most stalwart allies. When Whitehall officials pushed back against supporting Kyiv, Wallace won out. He reportedly even spoke in code with his Ukrainian counterpart before secure communications were set up, according to an interview in the Sunday Times. A consignment of “whisky” meant a consignment of N-Law anti-tank missiles that devastated Russia’s armoured columns. His support for Ukraine may have limited his career prospects – Joe Biden reportedly stopped him from becoming Nato chief because of the UK’s push to get Ukraine F-16 fighter jets. It’s unclear who might replace him; the current security minister Tom Tugendhat is among those tipped for the role.
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