Earlier in March 2025, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had announced a separate £1.6 billion missile deal for Ukraine, along with a £2.2 billion loan for military aid sourced from frozen Russian assets.

In a significant move, the UK government has announced an additional £450 million in military support for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

Included in the package is £160 million specifically earmarked for the repair and maintenance of equipment that the UK has already supplied to Ukraine.

The announcement comes as Defence Secretary John Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius prepare to co-chair a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which is a shift from the previous US-led approach.

The military aid package includes a 'close fight' component valued at over £250 million, featuring radar systems, hundreds of thousands of drones, anti-tank mines, and repairs for military vehicles.

Healey emphasized that the group's efforts are crucial for positioning Ukraine strongly against Russia, marking 2025 as a pivotal year for the nation.

This recent gathering follows a coalition meeting of 30 countries aimed at discussing a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, although Healey has ruled out the idea of a separation force between the conflicting sides.

Of this new funding, approximately £350 million will be sourced from the UK, with additional contributions from Norway through the International Fund for Ukraine.

However, the Liberal Democrats have criticized this latest support package as insufficient, calling for the seizure of Russian assets in the UK to bolster funding for Ukraine.

In light of these developments, Healey has reiterated the necessity to deter Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's defenses.