UK to send £752m and 120,000 drones to Ukraine to bolster defences against Russia
Britain has announced a new support package worth millions of pounds for Ukraine, as senior ministers attended a series of high-level international meetings.
The aid comes as Kiev continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing occupation.
In Washington DC, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a £752 million payment to Ukraine ahead of her meeting with Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
The payment, which is part of a larger £3.36bn loan, is earmarked for the purchase of key military equipment, including long-range missiles, advanced air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ms Reeves said: “This funding will help provide the military equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked war.
“I am proud that the UK is a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine, and we will continue to step up to do more as we maintain pressure on Russia.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary John Healey will unveil the UK’s largest ever drone package for Ukraine at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).
The initiative will see the delivery of 120,000 drones to the country, covering long-range strike capabilities, reconnaissance units, logistics support and maritime drones, most of which will be produced by UK-based companies.
Mr Healey said: “This major increase in combat-proven drones will give Ukrainian forces the capability they need to defend their people and fight against Russian aggression.”
Drones have become increasingly important in conflicts and now account for the majority of battlefield casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently emphasized their importance, announcing on Monday that Ukrainian forces had captured a Russian position for the first time using only ground-based and airborne drones.
Mr Healey also urged the public not to let the conflict in the Middle East be “distracted” from the situation in Ukraine.
“Nothing will stop us from standing with them for as long as it takes to achieve peace,” he said.
The Minister of Defense will chair the UDCG meeting in Berlin together with his German and Ukrainian counterparts and NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.
The 50-person UDCG brings together Ukraine’s international allies for regular discussions and coordination. The group was previously chaired by the United States until Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025.
