The UK will step up international leadership on Ukraine into 2025, with a new £225m package of military support and further backing for next year to underpin a new plan for Ukraine’s defence.
During a visit to Kyiv, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, met with his counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to set out the five priority areas for UK defence support, underlining the UK’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability; will build on the success of Operation Interflex by enhancing the training offered to Ukraine; will strengthen defence industrial cooperation; will increase cooperation with our allies to support Ukraine; and will increase pressure on Russia.
The UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine continues with a new £225m package of military support announced today. The package announced by the Defence Secretary will increase Ukraine’s military capability with new maritime drones and boats, air defence systems, and counter-drone systems.
The new support package includes:
- A £186m package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including:
– £92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway
– £68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems
– £26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine
- £39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint-procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces
- Explosive charges to equip more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the dozens of AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
“Nearly three years after Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit.
“But they cannot go it alone – which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025. We will enhance our offer of training to Ukraine and provide battle-winning capabilities, such as the drones and munitions included in our new £225m package.
“Our support for Ukraine is ironclad, and during my meetings in Kyiv today, I made clear the UK’s support will continue for as long as it takes, regardless of the situation in Ukraine, and that we will always stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win.”
