In a significant show of support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the United Kingdom unveiled a new aid and defence package for Ukraine, including up to €283 million in bilateral assistance for the upcoming year and a landmark defence deal to supply over 5,000 air defence missiles.
The announcement comes as part of the UK’s long-term commitment to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion and rebuild its economy and infrastructure.
A key highlight of the package is a defence agreement between the UK and Ukraine, involving British arms manufacturer Thales. The deal will not only boost Ukraine’s defence capabilities but also create 200 new jobs and safeguard another 700 in the UK, particularly in Belfast, where Thales is based. The project is backed by a €2.5 billion UK Export Finance guarantee under a 19-year financing plan.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas will formally sign the agreement on behalf of the UK government. Rayner reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with Ukraine, saying, “We stand by Ukraine to help them stay in the fight and rebuild their future. This is part of our Plan for Change—to strengthen our defence sector and support global security.”
The package also includes:
- €10.5 million towards governance reforms in Ukraine focused on rule of law, justice, and anti-corruption.
- £1 million for Ukraine’s Green Transition Office, aiding energy transition and environmental sustainability.
- A £30 million loan via British International Investment to MHP, Ukraine’s largest agri-business, helping protect jobs and strengthen food supply resilience amid war disruptions.
Additionally, the UK will support Ukraine’s insurance initiative aimed at reducing risk for foreign businesses and investors, including UK firms, thereby encouraging long-term private sector engagement in Ukraine’s recovery.
With this announcement, the UK’s total support to Ukraine reaches €18.3 billion, including €13 billion in military aid and €5.3 billion in non-military assistance, reinforcing what the UK calls its “100-Year Partnership” with Ukraine.
