London, July 11
New UK package of support for Ukraine's immediate and longer-term needs was tabled at Ukraine Recovery Conference, a statement by the British High Commission stated.
UK and Ukraine concluded the historic deal for Thales Air Defence missiles, boosting British growth and jobs and keeping Ukraine in the fight, as per the statement.
UK also confirmed up to 283 million Euros in bilateral assistance for Ukraine over the next year.
Two hundred British jobs will be created and another 700 safeguarded in a major defence deal between the UK and Ukraine to be signed at this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC).
The jobs at Thales in Belfast come as the UK and Ukraine successfully conclude the largest export credit agency-backed deal in Ukraine. Supported by a 2.5 billion Euros guarantee with a 19-year financing agreement, the funds can now be released. This enables the delivery of more than 5,000 Air Defence missiles from British business Thales - in what is not only a major boost to the UK's defence capabilities but will also keep Ukraine in the fight, boosting their defence against Russia's illegal full-scale invasion, the statement said.
Representing the Prime Minister at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister for Exports Gareth Thomas will formally sign the agreement with the Government of Ukraine, marking a key milestone in the UK-Ukraine defence cooperation.
The deal delivers on this Government's Plan for Change, by spending more on defence and creating jobs we will keep the country safe and boost economic growth.
In a speech at the conference in Rome, the Deputy Prime Minister will also reaffirm the UK's bilateral assistance to Ukraine for the financial year 2025-2026 of up to 283 million Euros. This will keep the country in the fight and ensure Ukrainians living through Russia's illegal full-scale invasion have access to vital support across humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction needs.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: "As we continue to witness the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people, the UK stands by their side to provide the assistance their country needs to not only stay in the fight, but to rebuild and recover."
"This announcement underlines our continued support for Ukraine - boosting their air defences against devastating drone and missile attacks and supporting the critical work to reconstruct this nation and provide the hope that they need," the statement further quoted her as saying.
"This will also provide skilled jobs in the UK and is all part of our Plan for Change - bolstering the UK defence industry and strengthening our international ties," she added.
Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports Gareth Thomas said on the Thales deal, "This landmark agreement is a powerful example of how British expertise is supporting Ukraine's defence and recovery while creating high-quality jobs at home."
"By unlocking UKEF-backed finance, we're enabling the delivery of vital equipment to Ukraine and strengthening our own defence industrial base," she added.
"It's a clear demonstration of our Plan for Change in action--backing British business, boosting exports, and standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression," the statement said.
The UK will provide up to 10.5 million Euros for the Governance Reform Programme and up to £1 million in support of Ukraine's Green Transition Office in financial year 2025 to 2026 to help Ukraine reform for the future. £10.5 million will go towards efforts on rule of law, justice and anti-corruption while £1 million will fund work on green transition and energy, both supporting Ukraine on its path to becoming a prosperous, green and modern European nation.
During the conference, British International Investment (BII) will also confirm 30 million pounds for MHP, a leading Ukrainian agribusiness. MHP employs over 30,000 people in Ukraine, with more than 40% being women. The loan will help them to safeguard jobs and boost resilience in the food and agriculture sectors during Russia's full-scale invasion. MHP, Ukraine's largest poultry and processed meat producer, exports to over 70 countries.
Underpinning much of these efforts, the UK will endorse the Government of Ukraine's insurance agreement. This initiative seeks to make insurance more affordable and widely accessible for businesses, including those in the UK, helping to derisk their investments into Ukraine.
The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine win the war and the peace, emerging as a stronger, more prosperous and free nation, resilient to Russian threats. Our 100 Year Partnership, alongside the commitments made at URC, reaffirm the UK's iron-clad support for Ukraine now and into the future.
In total, the UK has committed 18.3 billion Euros for Ukraine with 13 billion Euros in military support and 5.3 billion Euros in non-military support, as per the statement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a smart move by UK - helping Ukraine while creating jobs at home. India should learn from this model of combining humanitarian aid with economic benefits. Win-win situation!
The world needs to stand united against Russian aggression. But I wonder - will this aid really reach the common people of Ukraine or get stuck in bureaucratic corruption? We've seen this happen too often in international aid scenarios.
As an Indian, I'm proud that our country has maintained a balanced position on this conflict. While we understand Ukraine's plight, we must also protect our own strategic interests with Russia. Foreign policy is never black and white!
The job creation aspect is impressive - 900 jobs in defense sector! India should explore similar partnerships to boost our Make in India initiative. Defense manufacturing could be a game-changer for our economy.
While military aid is important, I'm glad to see they're also funding governance reform and green transition. Ukraine needs to rebuild its institutions, not just its army. Hope they use this money wisely!
Interesting to see how this conflict is reshaping global defense partnerships. India should take note - we need to diversify our defense suppliers beyond Russia. The UK-Ukraine deal shows how strategic partnerships can evolve.