Britain announces £225 million military aid package for Ukraine
A Ukrainian serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade fires a 2s5 152 mm self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions at an undisclosed location near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region on November 18, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP Photo)
Britain announced a new military aid package worth £225 million ($286 million) to Ukraine on Thursday, as part of its continued support in the fight against Russian aggression. The funding will provide Ukraine with crucial equipment, including drones, boats, and air defense systems, as part of a broader effort to bolster Ukrainian defense capabilities for the coming year.
The announcement follows a visit by UK Defence Secretary John Healey to Kyiv on Wednesday, where he held talks with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. During his visit, Healey reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stressing that Britain’s support would be “ironclad” and would continue through 2025.
“Three years since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever,” Healey said. “The brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit, but they cannot go it alone.” He added that Britain would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine to ensure Russia’s failure in the conflict.
The new aid package includes £92 million for naval equipment, which will strengthen Ukraine’s naval forces with small boats, reconnaissance drones, and uncrewed surface vessels. Additionally, £68 million will be allocated for air defense, including radars, while £39 million will fund 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems to help Ukraine combat Russian unmanned aerial threats.
In a further sign of increasing military cooperation, the UK also pledged to expand its Operation Interflex, a training program for Ukrainian soldiers. Since its launch in mid-2022, the program has trained 51,000 Ukrainian recruits on British soil, helping to ensure that Ukrainian forces are equipped and well-prepared for ongoing battles.
“The critical need for trained and equipped soldiers is clear, especially as Putin escalates the war with a strategy that sees thousands of Russian soldiers dying daily on the battlefield,” Healey said.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Umerov expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support, emphasizing that the “stable delivery of ammunition, especially for artillery,” remains vital to Ukraine’s defense efforts. He also noted the positive impact of the UK’s Storm Shadow missiles, which were first used by Ukraine in November to strike Russian targets.
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine continues to face significant challenges. Despite early successes in repelling Russian advances, Ukrainian troops are now facing fatigue and losses, particularly as Russia has deployed North Korean troops to the frontlines.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in Brussels on Wednesday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other European leaders to discuss the future of Ukraine’s war efforts, particularly in light of the looming possibility of Donald Trump’s return to power in the United States. Western allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine, despite the ongoing challenges on the ground.
