The Times newspaper cited a UK government source as saying that Prime Minister Boris Johnson told his cabinet about his intention to supply Ukraine with “more lethal” weapons.

Admiral Tony Radakin, the chief of the Defense Staff, was quoted as saying that London was moving toward a “new phase” of its support for Kiev.

Although the newspaper mentioned that Johnson did not name the weapons that he intends to provide, a defense source pointed out that Ukraine needs “longer-range deep fires,” including heavy artillery.

According to The Times, Johnson was impressed with Ukraine's use of the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 attack drones, and was “keen for the US to provide Ukraine with anti-ship missiles and more advanced air defense systems.”

This comes as, last week, the UK prime minister promised to provide an additional 6,000 anti-tank and high explosive missiles to Ukraine.

It is noteworthy that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked NATO for “one percent” of its tanks and aircraft and urged the alliance to set up a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

However, NATO declined Zelensky's request, in fear of an open war with Russia.