The UK has announced at least £242 million to support Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks, as well as the deployment of $484 million in financial support and military hardware. The British Foreign Ministry made this announcement during Minister David Lemmy’s visit to Kyiv.
During a joint visit to Kyiv today, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Great Britain and the United States’ joint support for Ukraine.
This is the first ever joint visit of the British Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State to Ukraine, which emphasises the unwavering determination of Great Britain and the US to support Ukraine, the department noted.
During his first visit to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary, Lemmy announced the allocation of at least £600 million to Ukraine to support against the illegal invasion of the Russian Federation.
In 2024-25, we will allocate £242m for urgent humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs, along with support for reform, recovery, and reconstruction.
“As Russian missile and drone attacks continue to kill civilians and destroy vital infrastructure, the commitment will ensure support to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, as well as support for longer-term economic, reconstruction and energy needs,” the statement reads.
The British Minister of Foreign Affairs also announced his intention to provide credit guarantees in the amount of 484 million dollars for lending to the World Bank by the end of the year in order to strengthen the economic stability of Ukraine.
These funds will be used to support vital public services, including supporting schools and hospitals, paying public sector salaries, and funding pensions.
“The UK’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. Our commitment of over £600 million is the latest step in our long-term support for Ukraine. This will provide vital support to Ukrainians who continue to endure ongoing Russian attacks,” Lemmy said.
This year’s funding includes £100 million in humanitarian aid, which will support the most vulnerable Ukrainians, including those living in communities on the front lines of ongoing Russian attacks, as well as those who have moved to neighbouring countries and communities.
An additional £20 million will double this year’s support for essential repairs and protection of power grids, restore access to vital energy sources, and strengthen Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
£40 million will go towards stabilisation and recovery as soon as possible, so that Ukraine not only wins the war but can take the first step towards peace. This funding includes vital assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, support for the stabilisation of recently liberated territories, and funding for work to prosecute war crimes committed in Ukraine.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will also announce the first investment in Ukraine from British International Investment, a British institution for financing development within the framework of the initiated G7 Investment Platform for Ukraine.
This £30 million support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Trade Facilitation Programme will help to increase trade flows of critical goods, including food, in Ukraine.
The British Minister of Defence also confirmed that the government has already delivered air defence missiles, equipment for F16 fighters, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and naval guns to Ukraine as part of its commitment to increase and accelerate the provision of military aid, as announced in April.
The Minister of Defence also declared today that Ukraine will receive hundreds more anti-aircraft missiles, tens of thousands more artillery rounds, and more armored vehicles by the end of the year.
The other day, the European Commission announced the allocation of an additional 40 million euros to Ukraine in light of ongoing Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure.
And on Thursday, September 5, the Swedish government decided to allocate almost 44 million euros to support Ukraine’s heat and energy supply.
