British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and announced a new £2.6 billion defense loan.
“You are very, very welcome here on Downing Street. And as you heard from the cheers outside, you have the full support of the United Kingdom. We will stand with you for as long as it takes,” Starmer said in a joint statement with the Ukrainian leader.
Loan Financed by Frozen Russian Assets
The loan from the UK comes with unique conditions. The funds will be allocated specifically for purchasing defense materials based on Ukraine’s needs. It will be provided over a 30-year period, with repayments covered by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
President Zelenskyy confirmed that the money would go directly toward weapons production in Ukraine.
“This is only fair – the one who started this war should be the one to pay for it. I am grateful to the British people and government for their strong support from day one. We are fortunate to have such strategic partners who share our vision for the future,” Zelenskyy stated.
Growing Pressure on Germany to Unblock Military Aid
The UK’s initiative has intensified pressure on the German government to speed up its military aid to Ukraine. German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck backed calls from Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to unlock a €3 billion aid package that was stalled in December.
According to Spiegel, the package includes critical defense supplies urgently needed for Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. Despite repeated appeals, the Bundestag has yet to approve the funding.
Czech Initiative for a Just Peace
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for the creation of an international coalition of nations willing to push for a just peace in Ukraine.
“Peace must be established on terms that suit Kyiv. A peace dictated by the aggressor is nothing but capitulation, which will only encourage future invasions. The free world must stand against evil,” Pavel declared.
France and the UK Work on a Plan to End the War
Keir Starmer also revealed that the UK and France are working together on a plan to bring the war to an end. He said the initiative was discussed during meetings with Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron.
“One or two more countries are likely to join this effort,” The Guardian quoted the British prime minister as saying.
Ukraine continues to receive substantial support from its Western allies, which remains critical in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. Meanwhile, international pressure is mounting on countries delaying military assistance, as Ukraine’s battlefield challenges grow increasingly urgent.