UK PM Rishi Sunak makes surprise visit to Ukraine after military support fund hike

On Friday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an unexpected trip to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, after announcing GBP 2.5 billion in military funding for 2024–2025—a GBP 200 million increase over the previous two years—to the nation embroiled in conflict with Russia.

A historic UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sunak. This agreement was meant to mark the start of what Downing Street called a “unshakeable 100-year partnership” with Ukraine.

According to the agreement, the UK will consult with Ukraine in the event that Russia attacks it once more and will offer “swift and sustained” defense aid.

“I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come,” Sunak told the media in Kyiv.

“For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. They are still fighting, unfaltering in their determination to defend their country and defend the principles of freedom and democracy,” he added.

“The UK is already one of Ukraine’s closest partners, because we recognise their security is our security. Today we are going further – increasing our military aid, delivering thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic new security agreement to provide Ukraine with the assurances it needs for the long term.”

At least GBP 200 million of the GBP 2.5 billion set up for 2024–2025 will go toward a significant initiative to quickly acquire and build thousands of military drones for Ukraine, including naval, long-range, and surveillance drones.

According to the British government, the technology will provide Ukraine with state-of-the-art, combat-proven capability to protect its civilians and take aim at the Russian forces advancing on land and water.

The Ministry of Defence is working with international partners to considerably increase the number of drones provided for Ukraine’s defense, with the majority of the drones being made in the UK.

Sunak visited emergency personnel in Kyiv who were dealing with the fallout from Russian airstrikes.

The UK PM reportedly pledged an additional GBP 18 million in help for Ukraine, bringing the total amount donated to around GBP 340 million, according to 10 Downing Street. A portion of the money will help humanitarian aid organizations like the UN and Red Cross operate on the front lines, while GBP 8 million will be used to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure from more Russian assaults.

In an effort to strengthen diplomatic relations and economic competitiveness, the Ukrainian government has proposed legislation to support English in Ukraine. According to the most recent announcement, the UK would pay for Ukrainians of all ages to take online English classes in addition to offering resources and teacher training.

The UK government said Friday’s visit built on months of direct diplomacy between Sunak and Zelenskyy, as well as a world-leading record of UK military, diplomatic and economic support for Ukraine during the ongoing crisis with Russia.

(With agency inputs)