The United Kingdom has announced a £10 billion economic and military support package for Ukraine, including £500 million in additional funding for air defence systems, as Kyiv prepares for another winter amid its ongoing war with Russia.

The package, announced by the UK government on Tuesday, is the largest financial support package the country has committed to Ukraine to date. It aims to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities, maintain economic stability and ensure essential public services continue operating throughout the winter.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the decision ahead of its formal announcement in the UK budget, describing the additional funding as vital to collective security.

The announcement comes as Russia continues attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, raising concerns about the impact on energy supplies and civilian services during the colder months.

The package includes an additional £500 million for Ukraine’s air defences this winter in response to Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.

“When I said we would step up our support for Ukraine, I meant it,” Burnham said, describing the funding as the largest package of its kind provided by the UK.

He said Britain would continue supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” adding that London would stand alongside the Ukrainian people as they defend their country.

Healey said the funding would help Ukraine protect its population and territory, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defence.

Billions in economic and military assistance

Under the package, £7 billion in economic support will be made available over three years. This includes up to £5.5 billion in guarantees through the World Bank and a £500 million grant contribution to the World Bank’s International Development Association crisis facility, intended to mobilise an additional £1.5 billion in support for Ukraine.

The UK will also increase the capacity of its export finance support for Ukraine by £3 billion, bringing the total available through UK Export Finance to £6.5 billion. The additional capacity will be prioritised for military support.

The new funding comes on top of the £3 billion in annual military assistance the UK has already pledged to provide for Ukraine for as long as necessary.

London has been one of Kyiv’s principal international supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing military equipment, financial assistance and diplomatic backing.

The two countries have also strengthened their bilateral relationship through a 100-year partnership agreement intended to support long-term cooperation across defence, security and other areas.

The UK has worked alongside France and Germany in efforts to secure Ukraine’s long-term security through the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries coordinating support for Kyiv.

UK commitments reach £35 billion

With the latest announcement, the UK government says its total financial commitments to Ukraine have reached £35 billion.

The figure includes £16 billion in military support, including the UK’s £2.26 billion contribution to the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan initiative.

It also includes up to £12.6 billion in non-military assistance, covering bilateral support and fiscal guarantees, alongside £6.5 billion in export finance cover for reconstruction and defence projects.

The latest package underscores London’s intention to maintain its support for Kyiv as the war continues and Ukraine faces mounting pressure to protect its infrastructure and sustain public services through the winter. (ILKHA)