- Prime Minister has secured a deal for the
UK to join the £78 billion (90 billion) Ukraine Support Loan,
boosting Ukraine's defence and creating future opportunities
for UK defence companies
- The agreement is the latest demonstration of the Prime
Minister's steadfast support for Ukraine and European security
- Alongside new UK-EU cyber sanctions on Russia announced
today, it sends a clear message that Ukraine's allies will
continue to stand united against Russian aggression.
Arriving in Paris for a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing,
Prime Minister has today announced a landmark
agreement that will give UK defence firms access to contracts
funded through the EU's £78 billion (90 billion) Ukraine Support
Loan initiative, strengthening Ukraine's defence while supporting
jobs and growth across the UK.
The agreement follows the successful conclusion of negotiations
between the UK and the EU, first announced at the European
Political Community Summit in Armenia in May, and represents a
significant step forward in UK-EU defence and security
cooperation.
Through the scheme, UK defence companies will be eligible to bid
for procurement contracts funded by the loan, unlocking billions
in potential investment, supporting skilled jobs across the
country and strengthening the UK's world-leading defence
industrial base. The UK's contribution to the initiative will be
proportionate to the value of contracts secured by British
industry.
Prime Minister said:
"I have always been clear that the UK will stand with Ukraine
for as long as it takes.
This agreement will help ensure Ukraine gets the support it
needs to defend itself against Russian aggression, while backing
British defence companies, supporting skilled jobs and
strengthening our national security.
Working alongside our European allies, we are stepping up
support for Ukraine and stepping up pressure on Russia. Together,
we are sending a clear message: we will stand united against
Russian aggression and continue to defend the security of
Europe."
The loan initiative was established to help meet Ukraine's
defence and budgetary needs through 2026 and 2027, enabling
continued investment in military capabilities and defence
production at a critical moment in the war.
Today's agreement is the latest demonstration of the UK's
unwavering support for Ukraine. This year alone, the UK has
committed £3.75 billion in military support and remains committed
to providing £3 billion annually for as long as it takes. Since
Russia's full-scale invasion, the UK's total support for Ukraine
has reached £25 billion, including £16 billion in military
assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.
The announcement comes as the UK and its allies intensify efforts
to counter Russian aggression across Europe. Today, the UK and
the EU introduced the first joint UK-EU cyber sanctions package,
targeting Russian state actors and criminal networks responsible
for malicious cyber activity.
Alongside EU member states, the UK is also attributing last
year's attempted attack on Poland's energy infrastructure to
Russia's FSB Centre 16. Had it succeeded, up to 500,000 people
could have been left without power. The attack is another example
of Russia's reckless attempts to undermine European security and
destabilise its neighbours.
Together, these measures underline the UK's commitment to
strengthening European security, supporting Ukraine in the face
of Russian aggression and deepening defence cooperation with
European partners in response to growing threats.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The Ukraine Support Loan (USL): A £78bn (90bn) initiative to
provide financial assistance to Ukraine. UK participation opens
procurement paths for British defence firms. 60 billion of the 90
billion Ukraine Support Loan that is specifically allocated to
Ukraine's defence capabilities over 2026 and 2027. It will
complement, not replace, the UK's military support to Ukraine,
including £3.75 billion in support this year and our long-term
commitment to provide £3 billion annually for as long as it
takes.
- The UK-EU agreement is subject to a Council Implementing
Decision and is expected to be confirmed by the summer.
