UK Announces £225 Million Military Aid for Ukraine, Considers Troop Deployment for Training Amid Sanctions on Russian Vessels

Dec 19, 2024, 06:23 AM

The United Kingdom has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at £225 million, aimed at bolstering the country's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This package includes £92 million for naval equipment such as small boats and reconnaissance drones, £68 million for air defense systems, £26 million for support and spare parts, and £39 million for counter-drone electronic warfare systems and protective gear. The announcement was made by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during his visit to Kyiv, where he met with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov. Additionally, the UK is considering sending British troops to Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces, aiming to enhance the training to better fit Ukraine's needs. This comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine's position in the conflict. The UK has also allocated £35 million in emergency aid to Ukraine to restore its energy system, and has imposed sanctions on 20 vessels of Russia's 'shadow fleet' involved in transporting oil in violation of sanctions.