UK approves £1.6 billion deal for Ukraine to buy missiles
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) export finance package to help Ukraine purchase more than 5,000 air defense missiles.
“This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening Ukraine,” Starmer said at a press conference on Sunday, following a defense summit in London attended by Western leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and more than a dozen European heads of state.
Four-step plan for Ukraine’s security
Starmer outlined a four-step plan agreed upon at the summit to secure peace in Ukraine:
- Maintaining military aid while increasing economic pressure on Russia.
- Ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security in any future peace negotiations.
- Deterring future Russian invasions with long-term security commitments.
- Forming a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and uphold peace.
The leaders agreed to meet again soon to sustain these efforts.
UK’s commitment and calls for US support
Reaffirming Britain’s strong stance, Starmer said the UK is committed to supporting Ukraine with “boots on the ground and planes in the air.” However, he emphasized that European nations must take the lead, while also stressing the need for US involvement in securing a lasting peace.
“We agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together,” Starmer added.
Diplomatic tensions and ceasefire negotiations
Before the summit, Starmer announced that the UK, France, and Ukraine would work on a ceasefire plan to present to the US. He highlighted three key elements:
- A strong Ukraine with military and economic backing.
- European security guarantees to deter future conflicts.
- A US backstop to ensure enforcement of the peace deal.
These discussions come amid diplomatic tensions following a heated exchange last week between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, which led to the cancellation of a raw materials agreement between the two nations.
On Saturday, Zelensky met with Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the UK reaffirmed its “unwavering determination” to support Ukraine. Following the meeting, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko announced that Britain had agreed to a £2.26 billion loan to further bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.