London – Sir Keir Starmer announced a £1.6 billion missile deal for Ukraine. This announcement followed a summit of European leaders in London.
Starmer also announced that several allies joined a “coalition of the willing.” French President Emmanuel Macron is prepared to commit troops to the Ukrainian frontline if a peace deal is reached.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the meeting. Seventeen European leaders and Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau discussed securing peace for Ukraine.
The Lancaster House summit occurred after a press conference from the White House. President Trump told Zelensky he was not grateful enough for US support.
“My support for Ukraine is unwavering,” said Starmer. He feels responsible for ending Russia’s war and guaranteeing Ukraine a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security.
“National security is economic security,” he added. The loan will level up Ukraine’s air defense. It will also help working people in the UK, boost the economy, and support jobs in Northern Ireland.
Starmer will discuss his plan with Trump. He aims to persuade the US leader to provide a security guarantee for Ukraine.
The coalition will intensify planning. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air.
Europe must do the heavy lifting to support peace. This effort needs strong US backing. The UK is working with the US on this point.
After the summit, Starmer said he does not think the US is unreliable. The discussions formed a plan that will include the US as allies.
The deal allows Ukraine to use £1.6 billion to buy over 5,000 air defense missiles. These missiles will be made in Belfast.
“This will protect critical infrastructure and strengthen Ukraine in securing peace,” added Starmer.
The UK is learning from past mistakes, referring to the Minsk ceasefire deal. Ukraine must negotiate peace from a position of strength. The advanced air defense missiles will enable that.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the deal will create 200 jobs in Northern Ireland. It will support 700 more jobs in the UK. This is through the manufacture of over 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM).
The LMMs will protect against Russian drone and missile attacks. Ukrainian forces are already using LMMs. The initial order was delivered last year.
This week, the government said defence spending will rise to 2.5% of national income by 2027. It will rise again to 3% “in the next parliament,” roughly by 2034.
The government said small businesses in the UK will get new support. This will ensure they benefit from the decision to increase defence spending.
On Monday, the government launched a new hub. This hub will give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) better access to the defence supply chain.
The Ministry of Defence will set direct SME spending targets by June.
Boosting Ukraine’s Defense
Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK is at a “critical moment” for Ukraine’s future and European security.
“This support will protect Ukraine against drone and missile attacks. It will also deter Russian aggression after the fighting ends,” he said.
“This deal delivers on the UK’s commitment to step up military support for Ukraine, while boosting jobs and growth at home.”
Long-Term Partnership
The missile deal is part of “mega-projects” for Ukraine. The MoD’s Hirst taskforce aims to build long-term relationships with Ukrainian industry. This will restore and modernize their defence industrial base.
This builds on the 100 Year Partnership signed by Starmer and Zelensky in January. It commits £3 billion a year of export finance to acquire military equipment from UK companies.
The UK National Armaments Director Andy Start called the latest move a “critical next step” for the taskforce.
“The UK’s defence industry has supported Ukraine from the start of the war. This contract underlines industry’s ability to scale up production. It will deliver the world-class defence equipment Ukraine requires,” he said.
“The increase in LMM production capacity will benefit Ukraine’s fight. It will also help the UK’s longer-term security.”
Credit:BBC
