UK allocates £100 million for Ukraine air defence ahead of winter

The United Kingdom is allocating £100 million ($135 million) for a new air defence package for Ukraine ahead of the winter, including Patriot missiles, the British government said.

The package will include air defence interceptors, large-calibre artillery shells and drones to help Ukraine counter Russian attacks. The weapons will be supplied through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism, under which Ukraine’s allies fund the purchase of US-made weapons for Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media. 

The UK said Patriot missiles and other air defence equipment would be delivered before winter to help protect Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, civilian population and armed forces from Russian attacks.

The announcement followed visits to Kyiv by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defence Minister Wes Streeting, who were briefed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the need for additional military support ahead of winter.

Streeting said the visits had highlighted the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine throughout the winter, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking to use the season to intensify attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. He added that Britain would work to mobilise its allies and provide additional assistance.

On September 8, Streeting will chair his first meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, a coalition of around 50 countries supporting Ukraine with military equipment. The 36th meeting will be held virtually and jointly chaired by the British and German defence ministers.

By Sabina Mammadli