Britain announces £2.5 Billion to support Ukraine

• The package includes long-range missiles, air defense systems, and artillery shells.
• The UK will allocate approximately £200m for drones, with the majority being of UK origin.
• The drones provided will give Ukraine a strategic advantage in the coming years.

Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK will provide £2.5bn of military aid to Ukraine over the next year, marking Britain’s largest annual commitment since Russia’s invasion. During a rare visit to the country, the Prime Minister revealed the details of a new agreement aimed at supporting Ukraine’s long-term security.

The military package, scheduled for the next financial year starting in April, will equip Ukraine with long-range missiles, air defense systems, and artillery shells. Approximately £200m will be allocated for drones, with the majority being of UK origin.

Officials noted that this package would result in the most extensive delivery of drones to Ukraine by any country. Despite private arguments from some ministers and senior military figures in favor of a multi-year financial commitment for stronger signaling of Britain’s long-term support to Moscow, Sunak opted for a one-year commitment, surpassing the previous two years’ annual military aid of £2.3bn. Downing Street emphasized that this support package signifies the first step in establishing an “unshakeable hundred-year partnership between Ukraine and the UK.”

The aid package also includes £18m for humanitarian assistance, support for fortifying Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and increased funding for online English language training. According to Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, the drones provided will give Ukraine a strategic advantage in the coming years.

He said: “They are drones that are being developed at pace, learning all of the lessons from what we’ve seen in Ukraine over the last two years.”

He added the funding shows the UK is maintaining its leadership position in Europe as the second-biggest donor to Ukraine.

Mr Sunak, who last visited Ukraine 15 months ago in November 2022, said: “I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine in their darkest hours and in better times to come.”

He added: “The UK is already one of Ukraine’s closest partners because we recognize their security is our security.

“Today we are going further, increasing our military aid, delivering thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic new security agreement to provide Ukraine with the assurances it needs for the long term.

“For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. They are still fighting, unfaltering in their determination to defend their country and defend the principles of freedom and democracy.”

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