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MoD giving Ukrainian soldiers in the UK free cigarettes to 'boost morale' (metro.co.uk)

submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Despite a recently proposed smoking ban, it’s been revealed the UK government has been providing cigarettes to Ukrainian troops training in the country.

Under a scheme with the Ministry of Defence, Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in the UK are given duty-free tobacco as part of their rations.

It came after soldiers reportedly complained about the high prices of cigarettes in the UK – which average around an eyewatering £15 per pack.

In Ukraine, a pack of 20 cigarettes will only set you back roughly £1.70.

...

It’s said the move has helped Ukrainian soldiers focus, with the lack of cigarettes posing a ‘risk to morale’.

...

A source, familiar with the deal, told the Telegraph: ‘It is fair to say that smoking is going to be less of a threat to these brave soldiers’ lives than fighting Putin’s illegal invasion of their country.’

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 6 months ago (1 children)

The key sentence being:

A source, familiar with the deal, told the Telegraph: ‘It is fair to say that smoking is going to be less of a threat to these brave soldiers’ lives than fighting Putin’s illegal invasion of their country.’

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago

It's also worth noting that smoking is more prevalent in Ukraine compared to countries like the UK. The smoking rate in Ukraine is 25%, and 40% amongst males, compared to 15% and 17% in the UK.