The United Kingdom has pledged a new military support package for Ukraine, valued at over half a billion euros. The aid, which also receives funding support from Norway, is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s operational capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
According to the British Ministry of Defence, the funds will be used to supply radar systems, anti-tank mines, and an estimated hundreds of thousands of drones. These include both remotely piloted drones used to target enemy positions and autonomous systems programmed to strike fixed coordinates.
A portion of the financial package will also be allocated for the maintenance and repair of previously delivered weapons and military vehicles.
The announcement precedes a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of around 50 countries coordinating military assistance to Ukraine. Ministers of Defence from the participating nations are convening in Brussels today.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey described 2025 as a "critical year" for Ukraine’s military campaign. He is expected to emphasize in his address the importance of providing Ukrainian forces with what they "need to succeed," according to statements from his ministry.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is anticipated to attend the meeting virtually, although the Trump administration has refrained from taking a leading role in the group. The Ukraine Contact Group was originally founded by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who chaired all sessions until early 2025. Leadership has since transitioned to Germany and the UK.