Final answer:
The primary support provided by the UK and other Western allies to Ukraine since its independence has been economic aid and assistance, focusing on promoting stability, growth, and alignment with democratic values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option is B:
The main type of support that the UK and other Western allies have provided to Ukraine since its independence in 1991 is B) Economic aid and assistance. This support has taken various forms, aiming at promoting economic stability and growth, bolstering democratic institutions, and providing humanitarian relief when necessary. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Western countries, including the United States, geared their foreign policy towards encouraging democracy and economic reforms in former Eastern bloc countries, aligning with institutions such as the EU and NATO.
With the emergence of conflicts and the challenging relationship with Russia, responses from Western allies have often balanced between traditional diplomatic support and economic sanctions. The shift from a militaristic approach to one emphasizing economic and diplomatic strategies reflects the evolved nature of international relations post-Cold War. Hence, while there is a collective defense strategy within NATO, direct military intervention has not been the primary form of support for Ukraine. Instead, economic aid aligns with the broader strategy of containment and encouragement of liberal democratic values.