UK provides over EUR 1 bln in military aid to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets
The UK has spent more than EUR 1 billion on arms and military support for Ukraine, using funds obtained from frozen Russian assets, according to a press release on the UK government website following a visit by Defence Secretary John Healey to Kyiv.
The money has been used to purchase artillery ammunition, missiles for air defence systems, drones, spare parts and other equipment needed to maintain and repair Ukrainian military equipment. This has enabled the rapid delivery of hundreds of thousands of shells and hundreds of missiles, new contracts for maintenance and repair of equipment, and support for Ukraine's military operations at the front.
"The UK is stepping up our military support to help Ukraine defend itself in today’s fight against Putin’s illegal invasion, while working hard to secure peace tomorrow through the Coalition of the Willing. More than £1 billion of military support for Ukraine has now been paid for by immobilised Russian assets, while we have accelerated deliveries of vital kit and equipment over the last 50 days into the hands of Ukrainian warfighters," Healey was quoted as saying in the press release.
Over the past 50 days, the UK has supplied Ukraine with: 4.7 million rounds of small arms ammunition, 60,000 artillery shells, missiles and ammunition, over 2,500 drones, over 200 electronic warfare systems, 100 light weapons, 30 vehicles, as well as additional anti-drone and anti-aircraft equipment.
This year, the UK will spend £4.5 billion on military support for Ukraine, including £2.26 billion in the form of a loan through the Accelerated Emergency Revenue Fund, which is being repaid from frozen Russian assets.
"In addition, the press release highlights new UK sanctions against those involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children. To date, more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly removed or deported by the Russian authorities to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," the department's website says.
