UK Unleashes £450m Military 'Surge' to Bolster Ukraine's Defense Against Russia

The UK government has announced a significant £450 million military support package for Ukraine, signaling a powerful commitment to fortifying the nation's defense capabilities. As the UK and Germany prepare to host a crucial meeting of 50 nations in Brussels, the move aims to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and compel an end to the ongoing invasion.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the urgency of bolstering Ukraine's defenses to deter Russian aggression, stating, "We must step up to deter Russian aggression by continuing to bolster Ukraine's defenses."

The comprehensive aid package encompasses a wide array of critical resources, including funding for:

• Hundreds of thousands of drones.
• Anti-tank mines.
• Repairs and maintenance for military vehicles.
• Radar systems.

Of the total, approximately £350 million will be directly contributed by the UK, with additional financial support from Norway channeled through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine. A substantial portion, £160 million, is earmarked for the repair and upkeep of vehicles and equipment previously supplied by the UK.

Healey underscored the pivotal role of this collaborative effort in empowering Ukraine, asserting that it is "vital to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position."

"We cannot jeopardise peace by forgetting the war, which is why today's major package will surge support to Ukraine's frontline fight," he stated. "2025 is the critical year for Ukraine."

The announcement follows a series of military pledges from the UK to Ukraine.

However, the Liberal Democrats have criticized the support package as insufficient, urging the government to seize Russian assets in Britain to provide more substantial funding to Ukraine.

Healey and his German counterpart, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, are jointly chairing the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels.

Amidst diplomatic gridlock, frontline clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces persist.