A significant missile deal for Ukraine worth £1.6bn has been announced by Sir Keir Starmer following a summit of European leaders in London. The prime minister also disclosed that a “coalition of the willing” comprising of several allies has been formed, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, who are prepared to deploy troops to the Ukrainian frontline if a peace agreement is reached. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky was present at the meeting, which involved discussions on the next steps towards securing peace in Ukraine among 17 European leaders and Canadian premier Justin Trudeau.
During a televised press conference from the White House, President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s gratitude towards US support. Sir Keir emphasized his unwavering backing for Ukraine and his personal commitment to putting an end to Russia’s unlawful war, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. He highlighted the connection between national security and economic security, stating that the loan for enhancing Ukraine’s air defense would not only benefit the country but also boost the UK economy while supporting jobs in Northern Ireland and other regions. The prime minister intends to engage with Trump to discuss a four-step plan aimed at persuading the US leader to offer a security guarantee for Ukraine.
The Lancaster House summit in London marks a crucial development in the efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine, as emphasized by Sir Keir. The deal will enable Ukraine to utilize £1.6bn of export finance to acquire over 5,000 air defense missiles produced in Belfast to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen the country. This endeavor is crucial for empowering Ukraine to negotiate peace from a position of strength, particularly in light of past ceasefire violations by Putin. The agreement is expected to create 200 job opportunities in Northern Ireland and support an additional 700 jobs in the UK through the increased production of lightweight-multirole missiles designed to counter Russian drone and missile threats.
According to Defence Secretary John Healey, the UK is facing a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Ukraine and ensuring the security of Europe. The missile deal, part of a series of significant projects for Ukraine led by the MoD’s Hirst taskforce, reflects the UK’s steadfast commitment to bolster military support for Ukraine while fostering domestic job growth. This initiative builds on the 100 Year Partnership agreement signed earlier, which outlines annual export finance commitments of £3bn for the acquisition of military equipment from UK companies by Ukraine. Andy Start, the UK National Armaments Director, highlighted the importance of the latest contract in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts and enhancing the UK’s long-term security
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