The United Kingdom has announced a fresh £450 million military aid package for Ukraine, positioning itself at the forefront of European support to Kyiv as the United States pulls back its assistance.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is preparing to co-host, alongside Germany, a high-level meeting of 50 nations in Brussels aimed at reinforcing unity among Ukraine’s backers and mounting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Announcing the package on Thursday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the alliance must intensify its efforts to support Ukraine’s battlefield resistance and deter Russian aggression.
“We must step up to deter Russia’s actions by continuing to bolster Ukraine's defences,” Healey asserted.
The new tranche of aid includes hundreds of thousands of drones, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and substantial repair and maintenance resources for previously supplied armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
A total of £160 million is earmarked for upkeep of existing equipment, while the remaining £250 million will go towards combat-ready supplies and technology.
Healey emphasised the urgency of continued Western support, describing 2025 as “the critical year for Ukraine”. “We cannot jeopardise peace by forgetting the war, which is why today's major package will surge support to Ukraine's frontline fight,” he said. “Our job as defence ministers is to put into the hands of the Ukrainian war-fighters what they need.”
Of the total amount pledged, £350 million will be provided directly by the British government, with additional funds contributed by Norway through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine.
With the United States retreating from its earlier commitments to Kyiv, Britain has assumed a leading role among European allies, drawing attention to what it called Putin’s attempts to stall meaningful negotiations while continuing escalations in Ukraine.
British officials said the Brussels meeting will serve as a rallying point for nations supporting Ukraine, and will aim to coordinate aid deliveries and ensure resilience in supply chains.
As the war grinds on, the UK’s fresh commitment seeks to reassert NATO’s presence and fortify Ukrainian forces ahead of expected summer offensives.
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