Displaying items by tag: aid for Ukraine

The UK is strengthening its support for Ukraine with a major new package of military and financial aid, as international leaders meet to coordinate ongoing assistance. Rachel Reeves is expected to confirm a £752 million payment to Ukraine, part of a wider £3.36 billion loan, aimed at funding critical military equipment such as long-range missiles, air defence systems, and drones. Also, defence secretary John Healey has announced the UK’s largest-ever drone supply, with 120,000 units to be delivered. These include reconnaissance, strike, logistics, and maritime drones, many produced by British companies. As drone warfare increasingly shapes the conflict, Ukrainian forces have already demonstrated new tactical capabilities using drone technology alone. UK leaders have urged global partners not to lose focus in supporting Ukraine despite other international conflicts.

Tensions flared in Brussels as Hungary vetoed both an emergency EU loan for Ukraine and a new sanctions package against Russia. Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of disrupting oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline for political reasons and alleged misleading statements. Ukraine maintains the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone strike and says repairs are complicated by ongoing attacks. The dispute left financial aid and punitive measures in limbo, frustrating member states supportive of Kyiv. Slovakia aligned with Hungary, intensifying divisions. Critics, who argue that repeated vetoes risk paralysing EU decision-making, have revived debate over reforming unanimity rules. With Hungary facing a heated domestic election campaign, some diplomats believe the standoff is as much political as technical. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen insists that support for Ukraine will continue despite internal discord.