Maria Eagle, the UK's Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, recently visited Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian officials and UK defence industry leaders. This visit aimed to advance
contract negotiations under the Defence Export Support Treaty.
The treaty, signed on July 19 by Defence Secretary John Healey and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov during President Zelenskyy's visit to the UK, allows Ukraine to access £3.5 billion in export finance to procure military equipment from UK companies. This agreement aims to bolster the defence industrial bases of both nations and support investment in advanced military capabilities.
Eagle expressed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the government's pledge of £3 billion annually and a new package of essential military supplies, including ammunition, anti-armour missiles, and artillery guns. She stated, "Our visit reinforces our commitment to partnering with industry to enhance the production of vital military equipment for both Ukraine and to replenish UK stocks."
During her visit, Eagle met with Serhiy Boyev, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries for European Integration, and Oleksandr Serhii, the Ukrainian National Armaments Director. She toured UK industrial facilities in Ukraine to observe how the UK is contributing to enhancing Ukraine’s industrial capacity.
This visit follows recent meetings in London between President Zelenskyy, UK officials, and industry leaders, focusing on increasing support for Ukraine. The UK defence industry has been instrumental in providing critical equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, from maintaining and repairing UK-supplied weapons to ensuring operational readiness of vehicles and equipment in Ukraine.
By recommitting to £3 billion annually in military support and expediting deliveries, the UK continues to stand firmly with Ukraine in its efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. Photo by Tiia Monto, Wikimedia commons.