The United Kingdom has announced an additional £450 million in military support for Ukraine, as British and German defence leaders prepare to host a high-level meeting of 50 nations in Brussels.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the gathering aims to “pile pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin and push for an end to the war.
“We must step up to deter Russian aggression by continuing to bolster Ukraine’s defences,” he added.
The new package includes funding for hundreds of thousands of drones, anti-tank mines, and vehicle repairs.
Around £350 million will come directly from the UK, with further contributions from Norway via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine.
The package sets aside £160 million for repairs and maintenance of equipment already supplied by the UK to Ukraine. A separate military aid tranche, focused on “close fight” capabilities, includes radar systems, more drones, and anti-tank mines, valued at over £250 million.
Healey stressed the importance of international coordination in strengthening Kyiv’s position.
“The work of the group is vital to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position,” he said.
“We cannot jeopardise peace by forgetting the war, which is why today’s major package will surge support to Ukraine’s frontline fight.
“2025 is the critical year for Ukraine. Our job as defence ministers is to put into the hands of the Ukrainian war fighters what they need.”
This support follows a series of pledges from the UK, including a £1.6 billion missile deal announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month and a £2.2 billion loan backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.
However, the Liberal Democrats criticised the new package as insufficient.
“While we welcome any increase in support for Ukraine, this package is small change compared to what’s needed to combat Putin’s barbaric war,” said the party’s defence spokeswoman Helen Maguire, calling on the government to seize Russian assets in Britain to provide further funding.
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Friday’s Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting is being co-chaired by Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
The group, previously led by the US, has seen a shift in leadership since Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January, with Healey stepping in amid signs of a reduced American role in European security.
The meeting comes after a separate summit involving 30 nations in the Franco-British-led “coalition of the willing,” where plans to deploy a force in Ukraine to secure lasting peace were discussed.
According to the AFP news agency, Healey said he did not foresee “a reassurance force” to “separate the currently warring sides down the line of contact,” but emphasised that reinforcing Ukraine’s military would be central to any long-term strategy.
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