Britain commits hundreds of millions in air defence aid to Ukraine, including missiles and funding for a NATO scheme, as allies meet in Brussels.
BRUSSELS: Britain has pledged a major new air defence package worth hundreds of millions of dollars to help Ukraine protect its critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.
The announcement came as NATO defence ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss ramping up support for Kyiv.
British Defence Minister John Healey said Ukraine’s allies “are more committed than ever to supporting Ukraine” as the conflict approaches its fifth year.
The UK Ministry of Defence stated that approximately $200 million will be allocated to a NATO scheme, backed by US President Donald Trump, to procure American weaponry for Ukraine.
London will also directly supply Kyiv with 1,000 British-made lightweight missiles, valued at over $500 million.
Ferocious Russian bombardments have targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, causing widespread heating and power cuts during freezing winter conditions.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius condemned the strikes, stating, “It’s just terrorism against the civilian population of Ukraine.”
Pistorius emphasised the urgent need for increased support, adding, “So it is necessary to ramp up the support for Ukraine in terms of self-defence.”
The new British package is aimed at helping Ukraine stave off these ongoing aerial assaults on its power and heating systems.
