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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Christopher McKeon

UK to send £752m and 120,000 drones to Ukraine to bolster defences against Russia

Britain has announced a major new package of support for Ukraine, worth millions of pounds, as senior ministers engage in a series of high-level international meetings.

The aid comes as Kyiv continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

In Washington DC, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a £752 million payment to Ukraine, ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

The payment, part of a larger £3.36 billion loan, is earmarked to procure essential military equipment, including long-range missiles, advanced air defence systems, and drones.

Ms Reeves said: "This funding will help deliver the military equipment Ukraine needs as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked war.

"I am proud that the UK is a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine, and we will continue to step up to do more while keeping pressure on Russia."

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey will unveil the UK’s largest ever drone package for Ukraine at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG).

The initiative will see 120,000 drones delivered to the country, encompassing long-range strike capabilities, reconnaissance units, logistics support, and maritime drones, many of which will be produced by UK-based companies.

Mr Healey said: "This big boost of battle-proven drones will give Ukrainian forces the capability they need to defend their people and fight back against Russian aggression."

Drones have become increasingly pivotal in the conflict, now accounting for the majority of battlefield casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently highlighted their importance, announcing on Monday that Ukrainian forces had captured a Russian position using only ground-based and aerial drones for the first time.

Mr Healey also urged the public not to allow the conflict in the Middle East to "distract" from the situation in Ukraine.

"Nothing will distract us from continuing to stand with them for as long as it takes to secure peace," he said.

The Defence Secretary will chair the UDCG meeting in Berlin alongside his German and Ukrainian counterparts, and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.

The 50-strong UDCG brings together Ukraine’s international allies for regular discussions and coordination. The group was previously chaired by the United States until Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025.

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