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The UK government has revealed an additional £450 million military support package for Ukraine as it prepares to co-host a significant meeting of 50 nations in Brussels with Germany. This assistance underscores the ongoing commitment of Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s defense amid its conflict with Russia.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the need for collective action to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease the invasion. “It is crucial that we enhance our support to deter Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine’s defenses,” he stated.
The newly announced aid package includes funding for an extensive range of military resources, such as drones, anti-tank mines, and repairs for military vehicles. Of the total funding, approximately £350 million will be provided by the UK, with additional contributions from Norway through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine.
Included in the package is £160 million specifically allocated for repairs and maintenance of previously supplied UK military equipment. Furthermore, a “close fight” military aid component, estimated to be valued at over £250 million, features crucial items like radar systems, anti-tank mine supplies, and hundreds of thousands of drones.
Healey remarked that the collaborative efforts of defense ministers from various nations play a pivotal role in positioning Ukraine favorably in the ongoing conflict dynamics. He reiterated the importance of not losing sight of the war, stating, “The major package announced today is essential to bolster Ukraine’s fight on the frontlines.” He also projected that 2025 could be a pivotal year for Ukraine, stressing the ministers’ responsibility to equip Ukrainian forces with what is necessary for their defense.
This funding announcement follows a series of military commitments to Ukraine from the UK government. Recently, Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a £1.6 billion missile deal during a summit of European leaders in London, alongside a £2.2 billion loan initiative aimed at increasing military aid funded by assets frozen from Russia.
While some political figures have welcomed the heightened support, the Liberal Democrats criticized the new package as insufficient. Helen Maguire, the party’s defense spokesperson, labeled it “small change” compared to what is required to effectively confront Russia’s ongoing military actions. She urged the government to take decisive steps by seizing Russian assets in the UK to better finance assistance to Ukraine.
Healey will co-chair Friday’s meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group alongside German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. This group, which historically has been led by the US Secretary of Defense, has seen the UK take on a more central role following changes in US leadership that have resulted in a perceived decrease in American engagement in European security issues.
This meeting comes on the heels of discussions among defense ministers from 30 countries within a Franco-British-led initiative labeled the “coalition of the willing”. The group convened in Brussels to deliberate on deploying a stabilizing force in Ukraine, targeting long-term peace stability in the region.
Healey expressed his vision for the future, indicating that while establishing a reassurance force to demarcate warring parties was not in the immediate plans, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities will be fundamental to shaping the strategy going forward.
Source
www.bbc.com