The UK has pledged an additional £450 million in military support to Ukraine as Russian forces intensify attacks along the frontline. Defence Secretary John Healey revealed the new package during a high-level meeting of 50 nations in Brussels, co-hosted with Germany, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Moscow’s invasion.
The latest commitment includes £350 million from the UK, supplemented by Norwegian contributions, with £160 million earmarked for repairing and maintaining previously supplied military vehicles and over £250 million allocated for drones, anti-tank mines and radar systems. This forms part of Britain’s £4.5 billion annual military aid pledge to Kyiv – the largest contribution from any nation this year.
The international summit resulted in record pledges totalling €21 billion (£18.2 billion), including Germany’s commitment of €11 billion in long-term support until 2029. “Russia needs to understand that Ukraine can go on fighting – they can count on us,” stated German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
The meeting marked a notable shift in U.S. engagement, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth attending virtually rather than in person a departure from previous administration’s approach. Ukrainian officials report a 30% increase in Russian assaults in recent weeks, suggesting preparations for a major offensive. President Zelensky has confirmed Ukrainian operations inside Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions, though Moscow claims to have regained some territory.
Discussions about potential peacekeeping forces remain inconclusive, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas questioning their potential role: “Are these troops monitoring, deterring, or fighting?” Meanwhile, the Lib Dems have criticised the UK’s latest aid package as “small change,” urging the government to seize frozen Russian assets for additional funding.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Donald Trump’s envoy is scheduled to meet Vladimir Putin, though Kremlin officials have downplayed expectations of any breakthrough. The UK government maintains its position of sustained military support for Ukraine, with Healey declaring: “We must continue to bolster Ukraine’s defences to deter Russian aggression.”
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