UK pledges record £2.5bn aid to Ukraine: Biggest package includes drones and missiles
The substantial aid for the Ukrainian army has been factored into the British budget, which is set to be initiated in April 2024, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year. According to the BBC, the new package is valued at 2.5 billion pounds.
5:07 AM EST, January 12, 2024
The funds will equip Ukraine with indispensable military resources. A substantial chunk of the budget, around 200 million pounds, most of which will be manufactured in the UK, will be spent solely on drones.
The BBC highlights that the Prime Minister did not opt for a multi-year financial commitment. Opinions from some ministers and high-ranking army officials suggest that a long-term commitment from the UK would send a stronger signal to Moscow that Kyiv can rely on steady Western support.
Additional 2.5 billion pounds to be provided to Ukraine by the UK
The country's budget has also set aside funds for other expenses related to the conflict in Ukraine. A total of 18 billion pounds are designated for humanitarian aid, supporting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and facilitating online English language learning.
Sunak has consistently underlined that Ukraine's security is synonymous with the UK's. "Today, we are enhancing our military aid, supplying thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic agreement. We aim to provide Ukraine with the long-term assurance it requires," stated the Prime Minister.
The UK's commitment follows extensive pressure from parliamentarians, who have argued that the government should send an explicit message to Ukraine to ensure the war-torn nation can be confident of support and strategically plan its subsequent military operations. Ukraine urgently requires additional missiles to repel the Russian attack.
Meanwhile, in the US, Republicans are blocking a support package for Ukraine worth 60 billion dollars. In the European Union, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has put a hold on Brussels' commitment to provide 50 billion euros. Consequently, the country at war with Vladimir Putin currently faces significant hindrances in the supply of military resources.
