UK Commits £1.6 Billion in Defence Aid to Ukraine, Urges Stronger European Support
The United Kingdom has pledged a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) export finance package to Ukraine to enhance its defence capabilities. This new funding will allow Kyiv to acquire 5,000 air-defence missiles, as announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a defence summit in London. Starmer emphasized the urgency for European nations to move beyond discussions and take decisive action, warning that the West is at a "crossroads in history."
Speaking at Lancaster House in central London, Starmer urged European leaders to join a "coalition of the willing" alongside the UK and France to maintain stability if the Russia- Ukraine war reaches a negotiated settlement. The UK-hosted summit gathered key European leaders to reaffirm support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, especially following tensions between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump over American military aid.
The summit held added significance as concerns over US support grew after Trump criticized Zelensky for not expressing enough gratitude for American assistance. European leaders sought to reinforce their commitment to Ukraine while strengthening regional defences.
UK, France, and Ukraine Discuss Ceasefire Plan
During the summit, Starmer announced that the UK, France, and Ukraine had begun working on a ceasefire proposal to present to the United States. This initiative emerged from discussions following the White House dispute and aims to provide a roadmap for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Additionally, on Saturday, the UK announced a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan to Ukraine to bolster its defence industry. This loan, signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, will be funded by profits from frozen Russian assets as part of a broader $50 billion G-7 support package. The first tranche of funds is expected to be delivered next week.
Thales to Supply Air-Defence Missiles
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the 5,000 air-defence missiles would be produced by Thales, a leading defence manufacturer. These lightweight, multi-role missiles have a range of over six kilometres and can be launched from land, sea, and air.
"This aid will be crucial in protecting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and securing peace when the time comes," Starmer told reporters.
The announcement follows a massive Russian drone attack, with Ukraine reporting over 200 drones launched in a single night, marking the largest aerial assault since the war began three years ago.
