Frozen Russian sovereign assets will be used to finance the supply of 150,000 drones to Ukraine under a new aid package from the United Kingdom. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, London will also provide missiles and air defense radar systems alongside the drones. The total value of the assistance package amounts to £752 million (nearly $995 million).
Funding will be provided through a British loan under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration programme, totaling £2.26 billion in support for Ukraine. By the end of the current year, Ukraine is expected to receive 150,000 domestically produced drones, as well as more than 350 air defense missiles and radar systems, including Lightweight Multirole Missiles and ground-based radar units. The loan is backed by revenues generated from frozen Russian sovereign assets. The mechanism, introduced by the British government last year, allows blocked Russian funds to be used to finance Ukraine’s defense needs.
Air defense is a key component of the new assistance package. The UK Ministry of Defence stated that Vladimir Putin “continues his barbaric aerial attacks on civilian infrastructure,” making missiles and radar systems critical for protecting the country. The package is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian missile and drone strikes, as well as to support the Ukrainian defense industry. The announcement of the new support package was made by UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis during his first meeting of NATO defense ministers, where he co-chaired the Ukraine Defense Contact Group alongside German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Representatives from nearly 50 countries participated in the session. Discussions focused on Ukraine’s urgent battlefield requirements as well as longer-term military support. During the event, Jarvis also met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine.
Dan Jarvis stated that “for 75 years, NATO has been the cornerstone of the United Kingdom’s security,” and that his priorities are “strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defence capabilities” and continuing support for Ukraine “in defending its country against Russia’s brutal war of aggression.” The minister added that the new package – which includes drones, missiles, and radar systems – will help protect Ukrainian civilians from Russian attacks.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that the funding “helps deliver vital military equipment that Ukraine needs” to defend itself “against Russia’s unjustified war.” She said she is “proud that we are providing vital support,” and that the government will “continue to do everything possible to maintain pressure on Russia.”
Jarvis also confirmed that the United Kingdom is taking over command of the headquarters of the Multinational Force for Ukraine. Next month, leadership of the structure is expected to pass to Major General Tom Bateman, who will head the international team responsible for coordinating support for Ukraine and preparing the long-term rebuilding and development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the event of a peace agreement.
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Source: ukdefencejournal
