Healey visits Kyiv as UK unveils latest military aid package to Ukraine worth £225m

The UK will send £225m in military aid to Ukraine as the nation strengthens its commitment to the country ahead of the start of 2025.

During a visit to Kyiv, Defence Secretary John Healey met his counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to outline the UK's commitments to supporting Ukraine, including millions being provided to the country's navy and air defence equipment.

Mr Healey stressed that the UK would continue to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes" and "regardless of the situation."

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"Nearly three years after Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit," he said.

"But they cannot go it alone – which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025.

"We will enhance our offer of training to Ukraine and provide battle-winning capabilities, such as the drones and munitions included in our new £225m package today."

He added: "Our support for Ukraine is ironclad, and during my meetings in Kyiv today, I made clear the UK's support will continue for as long as it takes, regardless of the situation in Ukraine, and that we will always stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win."

The UK's latest support package will include:

• £92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine's navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway
• £68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems
• £26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine
• £39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine's armed forces
• Explosive charges to equip more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the 20 AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided