The UK is delivering a major boost to Ukraine’s military efforts with a £450 million support package, announced today as the UK and Germany co-chair the 27th Ukraine Defence Contact Group
meeting in Brussels.
With 50 nations gathering to coordinate military aid, Defence Secretary John Healey will outline the UK's latest commitment to help Ukraine push back against Russian aggression and work towards a lasting peace. The package is part of the UK’s record £4.5 billion military aid pledge for 2024.
Breakdown of the Package:
£160 million for repairs and maintenance of vehicles and equipment previously supplied to Ukraine. This will be delivered through partnerships between UK and Ukrainian companies, supporting British industry and skilled jobs.
Over £250 million in new frontline military aid, including radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones—funded jointly by the UK and Norway. This includes advanced FPV drones and explosive-dropping drones, which currently account for up to 70% of the damage to Russian assets.
The equipment will be sourced from both UK and Ukrainian manufacturers, reinforcing economic ties and mutual defence capabilities.
The UK’s Taskforce HIRST will oversee the rapid repair and return of damaged military hardware to the battlefield, ensuring Ukrainian forces remain well-equipped.
Strategic Context:
The Defence Secretary emphasized that 2025 is a decisive year for Ukraine and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in military support. "We cannot jeopardise peace by forgetting the war," Healey stated, adding that the international community must keep up the pressure on Putin.
The announcement comes a day after Healey and his French counterpart chaired the first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a 30-nation group working on plans for a long-term reassurance force in Ukraine.
This support is part of the UK Prime Minister’s broader four-point strategy to:
- Speed up delivery of weapons and equipment.
- Strengthen Ukraine’s long-term defensive capabilities.
- Develop robust international security assurances.
- Sustain pressure on Russia through allied cooperation.
The UK is also actively supporting NATO’s NSATU initiative, helping coordinate training and procurement for Ukrainian forces. Through the International Fund for Ukraine, the UK will manage the NSATU Trust Fund, with contributions already pledged by Canada, Denmark, and Iceland. Photo by President.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.