The UK will provide 350 advanced air defence missiles to Ukraine, funded by £70m in interest from frozen Russian assets. This marks the first time Britain has directly used Russian-linked funds to arm Kyiv. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the move ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague.
Originally designed as air-to-air missiles, the ASRAAMs were rapidly adapted for ground launch.RAF engineers and MBDA UK completed the conversion in just three months. The missiles will now be deployed through UK-supplied Raven systems. Five more Raven units are already on their way to Ukraine, bringing the total to 13.
Starmer emphasized that Russia, not Ukraine, should bear the cost of the war. He stated, “Putin’s barbaric and illegal war demands that Russian assets support Ukraine’s defence.” Defence Secretary John Healey added that the missiles would save lives. He also accused Moscow of indiscriminate attacks, stressing that Putin shows no genuine interest in peace.
This £70m package is part of the UK’s largest-ever annual military commitment to Ukraine. Earlier this year, Britain pledged £1.6bn for over 5,000 air defence missiles. A separate £350m investment aims to increase drone deliveries tenfold. The new aid underscores the UK’s rapid response to Ukraine’s evolving battlefield needs.
Meanwhile, NATO leaders are gathering to discuss long-term defence spending and Middle East tensions. Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend the summit, he will not join the main discussions. Instead, the focus remains on alliance-wide military investments.
Before the summit, Starmer and Zelenskyy agreed to strengthen UK-Ukraine military production ties. Their meeting at Downing Street resulted in a new defence partnership. Soldiers from Britain, Ukraine, and Western allies attended the announcement.
The decision to send missiles to Ukraine using Russian assets sets a strong precedent. It signals Western resolve to make Moscow pay for its aggression. As Ukraine’s air defences face relentless attacks, these missiles could prove critical in repelling further strikes.
With this move, the UK reinforces its role as a key supporter of Kyiv. The swift adaptation of ASRAAMs also highlights Britain’s industrial flexibility in modern warfare. As the conflict drags on, such innovations may shape future military aid strategies.
Ultimately, the UK sends missiles to Ukraine using Russian assets to counter Putin’s relentless war machine. This approach not only bolsters Ukraine’s defences but also turns Russia’s own resources against it. The world will watch closely as these weapons hit the frontlines.
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