Britain pledges new $286 million defence package for Ukraine

Britain on Thursday said it would send an additional 225 million pounds ($286 million) of military equipment to Ukraine to help it in the war against Russia.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Ukraine has urged allies to bolster it both on the battlefield and diplomatically before any potential talks with Russia. As the war approaches its third year, Ukrainian troops are weary and outnumbered along a 1,170-km (727-mile) frontline.

BY THE NUMBERS

The package comprised of:

- 92 million pounds for equipment to bolster Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions and mine countermeasure drones.

- 68 million pounds for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.

- 26 million pounds to provide support and spare parts for systems previously delivered to Ukraine.

- 39 million pounds to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

Britain also said it would offer more military training to Ukraine.

KEY QUOTE

"The brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit," British defence minister John Healey said in a statement. "But they cannot go it alone – which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025."