Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels
today as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ,
demonstrating the UK's leadership and unwavering military support
for Ukraine in its fight against Putin's illegal
invasion.
Over 50 allies and partners, including Ukraine, the US, Japan and
Australia, met for the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group,
chaired by Defence Secretary , the first time for any
European nation.
Opening the meeting, the Defence Secretary announced a new £150m
military support package to support Ukrainian troops fighting
Russia on the frontline, part of the UK's unprecedented £3
billion annual pledge to Ukraine.
This year, the UK's total commitment has reached its highest ever
level, standing at £4.5 billion, ensuring Ukraine can achieve
peace through strength and underscoring the new 100 Year
Partnership between the UK and Ukraine.
Chairing the meeting, Defence Secretary said:
“2025 is the critical year for the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians
continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians
alike, and their bravery – fused with our support – has proved a
lethal combination.
"Speaking as a European Defence Minister, we know our
responsibilities. We are doing more of the heavy lifting and
sharing more of the burden.
“While Russia is weakened, it remains undeniably dangerous.
We must step up further – and secure peace through strength
– together.”
Speaking at today's meeting, where he was joined by Ukrainian
Defence Minster Rustem Umerov, US Secretary of Defense Pete
Hegseth, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, French
Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and NATO Secretary
General Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary Healey confirmed that the
UK has sent a landmark 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine
since Russia's full-scale invasion, worth over £1
billion.
The Defence Secretary also confirmed that the UK is on track to
provide more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine in a single year, with
final deliveries due next month.
Today's £150 million package includes thousands of drones, dozens
of battle tanks and armoured vehicles and air defence
systems.
More than 50 armoured and protective vehicles, including
modernised T-72 tanks will be deployed to Ukraine by the end of
spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK
has already given to Ukraine.
The air defence equipment will support more than 100 Ukrainian
air defence teams, and has a 90% success rate of shooting down
kamikaze drones, protecting Ukrainian critical national
infrastructure including electricity sites frequently targeted by
Russia. Announced by the Prime Minister in Kyiv last month, the UK and
Denmark are also providing fifteen Gravehawks to
Ukraine.
Today's package also includes major new maintenance contracts to
support in-country repairs to critical kit – helping keep
Ukraine's tanks and artillery in the fight and bringing broken
equipment back into use.
The Government is clear that the security of the UK starts in
Ukraine and is therefore committed to Ukraine's long-term
security as a foundation for the government's Plan for
Change.
As part of today's announcement, thousands of pieces of military
equipment the UK has already donated to Ukraine will be repaired
and better maintained through contracts worth around £60
million.
In a boost the UK's economy, this includes a multi-million-pound
contract with UK defence firm Babcock, who will train Ukrainian
personnel to maintain and repair crucial equipment such as
Challenger 2 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat
reconnaissance vehicles inside Ukraine. Through this agreement,
equipment can be serviced and returned to the front line
quicker.
UK defence giant BAE Systems has also been awarded a £14 million
contract, funded by Sweden and procured through the
UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, to repair Archer
artillery systems. Working with Lancashire-based firm AMS,
repairs of the Swedish-gifted Archer systems will be carried out
in Ukraine with Ukrainian soldiers given technical training so
they can maintain equipment for years to come.
Today's announcement comes ahead of tomorrow's NATO Defence
Ministerial meeting, where Defence Secretary Healey will set out
that in this critical year, nations must step up and back Ukraine
with the resources they need to achieve long-term peace in the
face of Russian aggression.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Contact group was started by
the US in April 2022 and brings together partners to help meet
Ukraine's immediate and longer-term needs.
