Prime Minister to visit Kyiv today [Friday] to set out a
major new package of support and reaffirm the close UK-Ukraine
partnership
will increase military funding
for Ukraine next financial year to £2.5 billion, supporting
largest ever commitment of drones
The Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will also sign
a historic UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation
The Prime Minister is expected to meet first responders
dealing with the aftermath of Russian bombings as part of his
visit
The Prime Minister will reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for
Ukraine in a visit to the capital Kyiv today [Friday
12th January], as he announces a major new package of
military aid, security assurances and humanitarian support.
Later today, the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will sign
a historic UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation. The G7
nations agreed to provide Ukraine with bilateral security
assurances at the NATO Summit in Vilnius last year; the UK is the
first country to deliver a final agreement. The totemic agreement
is intended to be the first step in developing an unshakeable
hundred-year partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation formalises a
range of support the UK has been and will continue to provide for
Ukraine’s security, including intelligence sharing, cyber
security, medical and military training, and defence industrial
cooperation.
It also commits the UK to consult with Ukraine in the event it is
ever attacked by Russia again, and to provide “swift and
sustained” assistance for their defence.
Ahead of meeting President Zelenskyy, has also confirmed the UK will
provide £2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2024/25, an
increase of £200 million on the previous two years.
The funding will help to leverage the best of UK military
expertise and defence production to ensure Ukraine’s victory on
the battlefield, including in critical areas like long-range
missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime
security.
Of the £2.5 billion, at least £200 million will be spent on a
major push to rapidly procure and produce thousands of military
drones for Ukraine, including surveillance, long-range strike and
sea drones. The technology will give Ukraine cutting edge,
battle-tested capabilities to defend their citizens and target
the invading Russian forces on land and sea.
This will be the largest delivery of drones to Ukraine from any
nation. Most of the drones are expected to be manufactured in the
UK, and the Ministry of Defence will work with international
partners to significantly scale up the number of drones provided
for Ukraine’s defence.
Prime Minister said:
“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.
“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.
“The UK is already one of Ukraine’s closest partners, because we
recognise 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.”
During his visit to Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to meet
emergency workers responding to the aftermath of Russian
airstrikes. He will announce a further £18 million in aid for
Ukraine, building on almost £340 million already provided. Some
of that funding will support organisations like the UN and Red
Cross to provide humanitarian aid on the frontline, and £8
million will go to fortify Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
against further Russian attacks.
As part of efforts to cement the close bond between our two
nations and Ukraine’s place at the heart of Europe, the UK will
also provide additional funding and resources for English
language training in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Government has proposed legislation to promote
English in Ukraine, boosting economic competitiveness and
diplomatic ties. Today’s announcement will see the UK fund online
English lessons for Ukrainians of all ages, as well as providing
resources and teacher training.
Today’s visit builds on months of direct diplomacy between the
Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy, as well as a
world-leading record of UK military, diplomatic and economic
support for Ukraine. With this latest funding, the UK has now
provided almost £12 billion in support to Ukraine and has often
been the first-mover on vital lethal aid, from Storm Shadow
cruise missiles to a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks.
Notes to Editors
- This will be a one day visit. We will set out further
detail on the PM’s itinerary at the end of the trip.
- The UK Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation will be
published on gov.uk after it is signed on Friday afternoon.
