In the early summer of 2023, as the Ukrainian army launched its long-awaited “spring offensive”, the codename for one crucial advance was named not after a famous Ukrainian figure or place, but a British politician.
The “Wallace” axis referred to Ben Wallace, then defence secretary, who had played a leading role in getting Ukraine the weapons it needed in the early days of the war. His support led to the affectionate nickname “the man who saved Kyiv”, according to one Ukrainian military source.
While Britain’s unwavering support for its eastern European ally has been no secret, the extent of its involvement and influence — last-minute dashes to Kyiv, help forging battle plans and collecting vital intelligence on the Russians — has remained largely hidden. Until
