The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, has announced a significant military support package for Ukraine, totaling £450 million. This funding is seen as crucial, with Healey stating that 2025 will be a pivotal year for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The support package includes £350 million from a previously announced fund of £4.5 billion allocated for Ukraine. The remaining funds come from Norway, contributed through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine. This financial boost will be used for the repair and maintenance of military equipment already supplied to Ukraine, as well as for new radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones.
Healey made this announcement while in Brussels, where he is chairing a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group, which includes representatives from around 50 countries. This group, which consists of all 32 NATO member states and about 20 other nations, has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in April 2022.
During the meeting, Healey emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "2025 is the critical year for the war in Ukraine, and this is the critical moment." He called on defense industries, militaries, and governments to enhance their support for Ukraine, reinforcing a united front against Russian aggression.
At a press conference after the talks, Healey revealed that Ukraine’s allies have agreed to provide a record military support boost of €21 billion (approximately £18.2 billion) to assist Kyiv. He highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it sends a strong signal to Russia and reassures Ukraine of continued support.
The meeting in Brussels follows a separate gathering of 30 defense ministers from a "coalition of the willing," which took place the day before. This group, which does not include the US, discussed plans for a multinational peacekeeping force in Ukraine, focusing on how each nation can best contribute to Ukraine’s long-term defense and security.
As peace negotiations between the US and Russia continue, progress appears slow. US officials are growing impatient with the lack of advancements, especially after former President Donald Trump suggested that Putin might want to end the conflict. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has rejected the latest US peace proposal, deeming it unacceptable as it does not address the root causes of the conflict.
Despite these challenges, the coalition remains committed to planning for a future peace in Ukraine, underscoring the ongoing international support for the country as it faces the realities of war.