The UK government has extended a contingent liability related to its military aid to Ukraine, as confirmed in a written statement by Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard. This liability provides

indemnity to UK defence industry partners against potential legal or financial claims stemming from malfunctions of military systems supplied to Ukraine.

Pollard highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion, stating:

"Since the start of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion, the UK has been at the forefront of international support to Ukraine, providing essential military capability to the armed forces of Ukraine."

The indemnity covers costs associated with third-party claims, including property damage, injury, or loss of life. Although the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has assessed the risk of such claims as low, the liability will remain open-ended for the lifespan of the systems involved.

Risk mitigation measures

The MOD has worked closely with relevant stakeholders to reduce potential risks. Pollard assured:

"The MOD and other stakeholders are taking all reasonable measures to mitigate the risk of injury and/or damage, and Defence legal advisers assess the likelihood of any risk arising as low."

Parliamentary oversight and background

The extension builds on a liability initially established in July, during a period when Parliament was dissolved for the pre-election phase. Pollard clarified:

"This notification confirms the intention to extend a contingent liability that was initially agreed in July, during the pre-election period when Parliament had been dissolved and the normal process for notification of reportable contingent liabilities could not be followed."

A 14-day parliamentary scrutiny period will now begin, giving Members of Parliament the opportunity to raise any objections to the decision.

Pollard also emphasized the broader context of the UK's collaboration with its defence industry, stating:

"We have developed capabilities, working with UK industry, to increase the support to the armed forces of Ukraine to defend against the threat from Russia."

This move underscores the UK's sustained commitment to aiding Ukraine in its defense efforts while addressing potential risks associated with military aid. Photo: Harland Quarrington/MOD, Wikimedia commons.