UK announces £450m in new military aid for Ukraine

UK and Allies Step Up Support as Russian Offensive Intensifies

The UK government has announced a new £450 million military aid package for Ukraine, reaffirming its commitment to Kyiv as the war enters a critical phase. The announcement came during a high-level defence summit in Brussels, co-hosted by the UK and Germany, and attended by representatives from 50 allied nations.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the package is part of an ongoing effort to “pile pressure on Putin” and reinforce Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory against an anticipated spring offensive by Russian forces.

“We must step up to deter Russian aggression by continuing to bolster Ukraine's defences,” Healey said.

What the UK’s New Package Includes

The newly announced support, part of the UK’s previously pledged £4.5 billion in military aid for 2025, consists of:

• Hundreds of thousands of drones

• Anti-tank mines

• Radar systems

• Vehicle repair and maintenance assistance

• Combat-ready field equipment

The £450 million total includes £350 million from the UK Treasury, with additional contributions from Norway via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine. Approximately £160 million of the funds will go toward repairing and maintaining previously supplied equipment, according to the UK government.

Record Aid Commitments from European Allies

Speaking after the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, Healey said allied nations had pledged a record €21 billion (£18.2 billion) in new military assistance for Ukraine.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who co-chaired the meeting, confirmed €11 billion in additional German aid through 2029. Pistorius described the outlook for peace as “distant,” stating that:

“Russia needs to understand that Ukraine is able to go on fighting… Ukraine can count on us.”

Questions Around U.S. Engagement

This year marked the first time the UDCG summit was not chaired by a U.S. defence secretary, following Donald Trump’s return to office in January. Healey has now assumed that role, highlighting a shift in Europe’s leadership on the war.

While U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did attend the meeting virtually, questions have emerged over the future role of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine.

“It’s not a matter of priorities, it’s a matter of schedules,” Pistorius said when asked about Hegseth’s absence, though he acknowledged that Europe must now “take on more responsibility.”

Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov maintained that the U.S. remains “our prime partner” and continues to provide support.

UK-Led Talks on Future Peacekeeping Presence

Thursday also saw a separate meeting in Brussels involving 30 countries from the so-called “coalition of the willing”, who discussed the possible formation of a long-term security force in Ukraine. The idea, floated by France earlier this year, aims to ensure lasting peace once active fighting ceases.

Healey clarified that any future force would not serve as a traditional peacekeeping mission designed to separate active combatants, but would instead focus on strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the discussion but called for clarity:

“What could be the goal? Are they monitoring, are they deterring, are they keeping the peace, are they fighting?”

Russia's Spring Offensive and Escalating Hostilities

On the ground, fighting has intensified significantly in recent weeks. Ukrainian military officials report a 30% increase in Russian assaults along the frontline, as Moscow appears to be preparing a renewed major offensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed this week that his forces are active inside Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions, part of a cross-border strategy to slow down Russian troop movements. While Ukrainian advances have been partially rolled back, the operations mark a significant development in the war’s scope.

Meanwhile, Trump’s diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire have stalled. Russian President Vladimir Putin declined Trump’s proposed 30-day truce in March, offering only to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Friday, according to Axios, reportedly for direct talks with Putin.

As Ukraine braces for a potentially pivotal phase of the war, the UK's fresh military aid—alongside historic pledges from its European allies—reflects growing resolve to counter Russian escalation and support Ukraine’s long-term security.

Stay with The Horizons Times for ongoing updates on the war in Ukraine, global diplomatic efforts, and the future of European security policy.