UK premier visits Kyiv, unveils $3.1B military aid package for Ukraine

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday visited Kyiv, announcing £2.5 billion (nearly $3.1 billion) in military support for Ukraine in the next financial year, with a focus on bolstering the country's defense capabilities through cutting-edge technology.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture, following the joint UK and US air and missile strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Sunak confirmed that the substantial military aid includes the largest commitment of drones ever provided to Ukraine.

The financial allocation aims to reinforce Ukraine's position on the battlefield, covering critical areas such as long-range missiles, air defense, artillery ammunition, and maritime security.

- Historic UK-Ukraine agreement on security cooperation

“For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. They are still fighting, unfaltering in their determination to defend their country and defend the principles of freedom and democracy,” Sunak said in a statement.

"I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come," he added.

"The UK is already one of Ukraine’s closest partners because we recognize their security is our security. Today we are going further – increasing our military aid, delivering thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic new security agreement to provide Ukraine with the assurances it needs for the long term."

Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to sign a historic UK-Ukraine agreement on security cooperation.

Meanwhile, a noteworthy aspect of the aid package is the allocation of at least £200 million ($255 million) for the rapid procurement and production of thousands of military drones for Ukraine, according to a statement by the UK government.

These drones will encompass surveillance, long-range strike, and sea capabilities, providing Ukraine with cutting-edge, battle-tested tools to defend its citizens and target invading Russian forces on land and sea.

The majority of the drones are expected to be manufactured in the UK, demonstrating a collaborative effort between the two nations.