During a rare visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared Britain's commitment to provide £2.5bn in military aid over the next year, marking the country's most substantial annual
contribution since the Russian invasion. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to reinforce long-term security ties, with Sunak also set to sign a new agreement during his visit.
The aid package is slated to include provisions such as long-range missiles, air defense systems, artillery shells, and an allocation of £200m for drones, the majority of which will be domestically manufactured. This substantial military package, earmarked for the upcoming financial year starting in April, is anticipated to constitute the largest drone delivery to Ukraine by any nation.
Notably, Prime Minister Sunak has opted against a multi-year financial commitment, a decision that has sparked debate among ministers and military leaders. While some argued that a prolonged commitment would signal enduring support to Moscow, Sunak has chosen to allocate £200m more than the previous two years, when the annual military commitment to Ukraine stood at £2.3bn.
Downing Street emphasizes that this support package signifies the initiation of a steadfast "hundred-year partnership between Ukraine and the UK." Beyond military assistance, the package also encompasses £18m for humanitarian aid, fortification of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and increased funding for online English language training.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, speaking on BBC Breakfast, highlighted the strategic advantage the drones would afford Ukraine in the years ahead, characterizing them as rapidly developed and informed by lessons learned from the conflict over the past two years. He emphasized that the increased funding underscored the UK's role as the second-largest donor to Ukraine in Europe, reinforcing its leadership position.
During his visit, Prime Minister Sunak, accompanied by senior defense staff, conveyed a resolute message of unwavering support to Ukraine, emphasizing the UK's recognition that Ukrainian security is intertwined with its own. Sunak stated that the UK's commitment extended beyond military aid, with the delivery of cutting-edge drones and the signing of a historic security agreement designed to provide Ukraine with long-term assurances.
The decision to amplify support follows months of pressure from MPs who advocated for earlier clarity from the government to facilitate Ukraine's military planning. As the United States and the European Union grapple with their own support packages, the UK's commitment stands out as a substantial boost to Ukraine, facing urgent needs for additional shells and missiles.
In the US, Republicans are impeding a $60bn (£47bn) support package for Ukraine, redirecting focus toward addressing migration along the southern border. Meanwhile, in the EU, Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has blocked a €50bn (£43bn) support package, citing a funding dispute with Brussels.
The UK-Ukraine agreement, set to be signed during Sunak's visit, encompasses a range of bilateral assurances encompassing military and economic support. This agreement aims to deter Russian aggression as Ukraine moves closer to joining NATO, making the UK the first G7 country to formalize such a pact, in line with the commitment made by all seven leading industrial nations at the Nato summit in Vilnius last year." Photo by President.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.