As the crisis in Ukraine enters another year, the United Kingdom has solidified its position as a global leader in supporting Ukraine.
With billions of pounds pledged in military, economic, and humanitarian aid, the UK has taken decisive steps to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion. In 2025, this commitment shows no signs of abating, with new initiatives and substantial funding announcements designed to bolster Ukraine’s resilience and pursuit of justice.
Justice for War Crimes
On Sunday the UK government announced £4.5 million in funding to aid Ukraine’s efforts to document, investigate, and prosecute war crimes committed during the Russian invasion. This funding supports Ukraine’s legal institutions and complements the UK’s collaboration with the US and EU through the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group. By equipping Ukrainian prosecutors with advanced open-source information gathering skills and providing survivor-centred training for conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) cases, the UK aims to ensure accountability for these heinous acts.
Sanctuary and Long-Term Support for Ukrainian Refugees
Since the start of the war, the UK has provided sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians. This humanitarian effort continues with the launch of the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme. From 4th February 2025, eligible Ukrainian visa scheme holders can apply online to extend their stay in the UK for an additional 18 months. This scheme guarantees access to work, benefits, healthcare, and education, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting displaced Ukrainians.
Military Aid and Strategic Defence Initiatives
The UK’s defence support for Ukraine reached new heights in 2024 and remains robust heading into 2025. Defence Secretary John Healey recently announced a new £225 million military aid package during a visit to Kyiv. This package includes advanced air defence systems, maritime drones and boats, counter-drone technology, and munitions. This investment underscores the UK’s steadfast commitment to enabling Ukraine’s military to defend its sovereignty effectively.
Key military contributions include:
- Delivery of over 400 types of military capabilities.
- Supply of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles, with 100 delivered recently.
- Provision of advanced maritime equipment through the UK-Norway Maritime Capability Coalition, enabling Ukraine to deny Russian navy access to the western Black Sea and restart grain exports.
- Enhancement of Ukraine’s drone capabilities, supported by a £7.5 million investment in cutting-edge drone technology.
The UK has also trained over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits since the launch of Operation Interflex in 2022. Supported by 12 nations, this training programme has been extended through 2025, ensuring that Ukrainian forces are equipped with critical battlefield skills.
Financial and Humanitarian Assistance
Beyond military aid, the UK has provided over £282 million in bilateral funding to address Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian, energy, and reconstruction needs. This includes £70 million allocated to Ukraine’s energy sector to counter relentless Russian strikes and £120 million in humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the UK has facilitated $1 billion in World Bank lending to Ukraine, offering vital budgetary support.
The recent passage of the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill will enable a £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine, funded by profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets. This loan will help Ukraine finance military equipment essential for its defence efforts.
Strengthening International Collaboration
The UK’s leadership extends beyond bilateral support, with the administration of the International Fund for Ukraine. This initiative has garnered over £1.3 billion in pledges from international partners, facilitating rapid procurement of military equipment, such as a £300 million artillery ammunition order.
The July signing of the Defence Industrial Support Treaty between the UK and Ukraine has further expanded cooperation, enabling military equipment procurement through £3.5 billion in UK Export Finance-guaranteed loans. These efforts highlight the UK’s dedication to fostering a united international response to Russia’s aggression.
Commitment to Justice and Accountability
UK support for Ukraine’s justice system has been instrumental in strengthening accountability mechanisms. By enabling hundreds of Ukrainian police officers, investigators, prosecutors, and judges to work more effectively on complex cases, the UK ensures that perpetrators of war crimes face justice. The newly announced funding will build on these efforts, equipping Ukrainian authorities with the tools necessary to gather evidence and prosecute war crimes comprehensively.
Leadership Statements
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Defence Secretary John Healey have all reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine. Healey stated, “The defence of the UK starts in Ukraine,” emphasising the interconnectedness of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and broader European stability. Lammy underscored the importance of accountability, noting that “there can be no lasting peace without justice.”
A Vision for 2025
Looking ahead, the UK’s support for Ukraine in 2025 will focus on five priority areas:
- Increasing Ukraine’s military capabilities.
- Enhancing the training provided through Operation Interflex.
- Strengthening defence industrial cooperation.
- Deepening international collaboration.
- Intensifying pressure on Russia.
This comprehensive approach reflects the UK’s resolve to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, ensuring the country’s sovereignty, security, and freedom. As the Foreign Secretary aptly stated, “We will stand with you in war, we will stand with you in peace, and we will stand with you as you fight for your security and that of all of Europe.”
With substantial funding, international cooperation, and unwavering resolve, the UK continues to lead the global effort to support Ukraine in its fight against aggression and its pursuit of justice and peace.
Main Image: By Ministry of Defence –https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132179143
