The United Kingdom has announced a fresh £450 million military support package for Ukraine, as the UK and Germany prepare to co-host a major meeting of 50 nations in Brussels.
Defence Secretary John Healey said defence officials are gathering to “pile pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin and force an end to his invasion of Ukraine. Healey emphasised the need to “step up” efforts by continuing to strengthen Ukraine’s defences.
The latest support package includes funding for hundreds of thousands of drones, anti-tank mines, and repairs to military vehicles. About £350 million will be provided directly by the UK, with additional funding from Norway through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine.
A significant portion of the package – £160 million – will go towards repairing and maintaining vehicles and equipment previously supplied to Ukraine. More than £250 million will be allocated for a “close fight” military aid package, featuring radar systems, anti-tank mines, and a large supply of drones.
Healey described the support as essential, stating, “2025 is the critical year for Ukraine.
“Our job as defence ministers is to put into the hands of the Ukrainian war fighters what they need.”
The announcement follows a series of substantial military commitments from Britain. Last month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed a £1.6 billion missile deal for Ukraine during a European summit in London. This came on top of a £2.2 billion loan to provide further military assistance, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets.
However, the Liberal Democrats criticised the new package, calling it “small change” compared to Ukraine’s actual needs. Defence spokeswoman Helen Maguire urged the government to seize Russian assets in the UK to increase support for Ukraine.
Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius are jointly chairing the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting on Friday, taking over the role traditionally held by the US Defence Secretary. The shift reflects the United States’ reduced involvement in European security matters under President Donald Trump.
The meeting follows a recent gathering of ministers from 30 countries, part of the Franco-British-led “coalition of the willing”, who discussed plans to maintain peace in Ukraine. Healey clarified there are currently no plans to deploy a “reassurance force” to separate warring sides, but strengthening Ukraine’s military will be a key focus.
Donald Trump, who once claimed he could end the war in less than 24 hours, has seen little success in bringing the conflict to a halt. In March, Russian President Putin rejected Trump’s call for a one-month ceasefire, agreeing only to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, fighting on the front line continues. Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian forces are operating in Russia’s Belgorod region. Ukrainian troops have also been active in Russia’s Kursk region, although Russian forces have since reclaimed most of the area.
On Thursday night, Russia launched drone attacks on Ukraine, injuring at least four people in the Kharkiv region. Russian state media also reported that drones from Ukraine were intercepted over the Kursk and Belgorod regions.
