UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced a comprehensive new military aid package for Ukraine during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Odesa.
The aid package, which underscores the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, includes critical artillery systems, ammunition, and precision missiles.
The newly announced military aid package includes more artillery guns, a quarter of a million rounds of 50 caliber ammunition, nearly 100 precision Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats for riverine and coastal operations, 10 AS90 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), 32 barrels for previously delivered AS90s, enabling them to fire an additional 60,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition, 40 demining vehicles
61 bulldozers.
Healey emphasized the urgency of the support, pledging to fast-track the delivery of this aid within the next 100 days. “As the new defense secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain’s support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid,” he stated.
The UK’s commitment to Ukraine has been unwavering since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. To date, the UK has provided over GBP 7.6 billion (nearly USD 9.8 billion) in military assistance. This new package builds on the substantial aid announced in April, which included over 1,600 strike and air-defense missiles, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and various armored and naval vehicles.
Healey reiterated the UK’s firm stance against Russian aggression, stating, “Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue President Vladimir Putin for his war crimes.”