UK announces £1.6 billion defense deal for Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will provide £1.6 billion ($2 billion) in export finance to help Ukraine purchase over 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 with Western leaders in London, Xinhua reported.
The initiative aims to put Ukraine in a strong position to negotiate peace from a stance of power, he added.
Western leaders push for a peace framework
The London summit brought together more than a dozen European heads of state and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss military and economic strategies for supporting Ukraine.
Starmer outlined a four-step plan for ensuring long-term peace in Ukraine:
- Sustaining military aid while the conflict continues and increasing economic pressure on Russia.
- Guaranteeing Ukraine’s sovereignty and security by ensuring the country is directly involved in any negotiations.
- Deterring future Russian aggression in the event of a peace agreement.
- Forming a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and uphold peace.
The leaders also committed to meeting again soon to sustain momentum on these efforts.
Britain’s commitment to Ukraine
Reaffirming Britain’s role, Starmer pledged UK military support, stating, “boots on the ground, and planes in the air.” He emphasized that Europe must take the lead while acknowledging that U.S. backing is essential.
“Let me be clear, we agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together,” he said.
Before the summit, Starmer also announced that the UK, France, and Ukraine would work together on a ceasefire proposal to present to the U.S. He identified three key components for achieving “lasting peace”:
- A strong and secure Ukraine.
- A European security framework with clear guarantees.
- A U.S. “backstop” to ensure long-term stability.
Tensions following Trump-Zelensky exchange
The summit followed a tense diplomatic week, highlighted by a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The disagreement led to the cancellation of a major raw materials deal between the U.S. and Ukraine.
On Saturday, Zelensky met with Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s “unwavering determination” to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. After the meeting, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko announced that Britain had agreed to provide a £2.26 billion loan to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The London summit underscored Europe’s increasing responsibility in securing Ukraine’s future, while also highlighting the necessity of continued U.S. involvement.
(1 pound = $1.26)
