Three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Healey emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people. “The depths of Putin’s miscalculation are clearer than ever. The brave people of Ukraine continue to defy expectations with their unbreakable spirit,” Healey said. He assured that UK support for Kyiv is “ironclad” and vowed to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine to prevent a Russian victory.
This new package allocates £92 million to enhance Ukraine’s navy with small boats, reconnaissance drones, and uncrewed surface vessels. Another £68 million is dedicated to air defense, including radar systems, while £39 million will provide 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems to Ukrainian forces.
Additionally, the UK plans to expand Operation Interflex, a training initiative for Ukrainian soldiers conducted with allied nations on British soil. Since mid-2022, over 51,000 recruits have been trained under the program. Healey hinted at the possibility of moving parts of the training program to Ukraine itself, aligning with the specific needs of Ukrainian forces.
“We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting,” Healey told The Times Daily, suggesting British troops could assist in training within Ukraine.
Umerov expressed gratitude for the UK’s support, emphasizing the importance of steady ammunition deliveries, particularly for artillery. He also noted discussions with Healey about the deployment of Storm Shadow missiles, though details were not disclosed.
The UK’s commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast, with a promise of £3 billion annually in military aid through 2030. This package comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets NATO leaders in Brussels to strategize amidst growing challenges on the battlefield.
