The UK will provide £2.5bn of military aid to Ukraine over the coming year, Rishi Sunak has said – Britain’s largest annual commitment since the start of the war, the BBC reports.
The PM made the announcement during a rare visit to the country, where he will also sign a new agreement supporting its long-term security.
Officials said the package will provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, air defence and artillery shells.
Some £200m will be spent on drones, most of which will be UK-made.
Officials said the military package – for the next financial year beginning in April – would result in the largest delivery of drones to Ukraine by any country.
Significantly, the prime minister has decided not to make a financial commitment lasting several years.
Some ministers and senior military figures had argued privately this would send a stronger signal to Moscow of Britain’s long-term support.