The United Kingdom has announced a new £1.6 billion ($2 billion) export finance package to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air-defence missiles, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed on Sunday. The move is part of a broader effort to bolster Kyiv’s defence capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Starmer Calls for Decisive European Action
During a defence summit on Ukraine held at Lancaster House in London, Starmer urged European nations to take concrete actions rather than remain stuck in discussions. He emphasized that the West is at a “crossroads in history”, calling on European leaders to join a “coalition of the willing” alongside Britain and France to ensure stability in Ukraine, especially if a negotiated ceasefire is reached.
The London summit gained further significance as European leaders sought to reinforce support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his tense Oval Office meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Trump’s criticism of Zelensky’s lack of gratitude for American aid had raised concerns about the future of US-Ukraine relations, making European support even more critical.
UK, France, and Ukraine Discuss Ceasefire Proposal
Starmer confirmed that Britain, France, and Ukraine had discussed a potential ceasefire plan, which they aim to present to the United States. The initiative emerged from high-level discussions following the White House dispute between Zelensky and Trump.
Additionally, on Saturday, the UK unveiled a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan to Ukraine, intended to support Kyiv’s defence industry. The loan agreement, signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, will see its first tranche delivered next week.
Funding Ukraine With Frozen Russian Assets
Britain clarified that the loan would be funded by profits from frozen Russian assets, forming part of the $50 billion support package pledged by G-7 nations. The move highlights a broader European strategy of leveraging Russian assets to sustain Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces.
Sources By Agencies
