The UK is set to provide £2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine over the next year, marking the country’s most substantial annual commitment since Russia’s invasion.
The announcement was made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak during a rare visit to Ukraine, where he will also sign a new agreement reinforcing long-term security.
The aid package includes long-range missiles, air defense, and artillery shells, with a significant portion allocated to UK-made drones, totaling £200 million.
This military support for the upcoming financial year, starting in April, is a considerable increase from the previous two years, surpassing the annual commitment of £2.3 billion.
Notably, the decision avoids a multi-year financial commitment, with Sunak opting for a one-year allocation despite some advocating for a more extended commitment to signal stronger long-term support to Moscow.
Downing Street emphasized that this support signifies the initiation of a “hundred-year partnership between Ukraine and the UK.” In addition to military aid, the package includes £18 million for humanitarian assistance, fortifying Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and increased funding for online English language training.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey highlighted the strategic advantage the drones will provide to Ukraine, stating, “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 also asserted that the UK’s commitment reaffirms its leadership position in Europe as the second-largest donor to Ukraine.
Chancellor Sunak, visiting Ukraine for the first time in 15 months, conveyed a steadfast message: “The UK will also not falter.
We will stand with Ukraine in their darkest hours and in better times to come.” He emphasized the UK’s recognition of Ukraine’s security as integral to its own.
The commitment comes after pressure from MPs for greater clarity on support to aid Ukraine in its military planning.
It also coincides with challenges faced by the United States and the European Union in reaching agreements on their respective support packages, with Ukraine urgently needing additional shells and missiles.
The UK-Ukraine agreement, signed during Sunak’s visit, encompasses bilateral assurances of military and economic support designed to deter Russian aggression before Ukraine joins NATO, making the UK the first G7 country to sign such a pact.
Source-BBC
