Britain Sets Aside $270 Million for Potential Ukraine Military Mission

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London: The United Kingdom has allocated $270 million to fund preparations for a possible deployment of British troops to Ukraine, following its pledge to contribute forces to a multinational mission in the event of a ceasefire.

The announcement comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed this week on a declaration of intent at a summit of the ‘coalition of the willing’, outlining plans for a future international force to support Ukraine’s security.

During a visit to Kyiv on Friday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the funding would be used to upgrade military vehicles, enhance communications systems, improve counter-drone protection, and ensure British forces are operationally ready for deployment if required.

The move follows heightened tensions after Russia launched a hypersonic missile attack, which European allies described as an attempt to deter continued Western support for Ukraine.

France has already signalled it could contribute several thousand troops to the proposed Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNFU), aimed at strengthening security guarantees for Kyiv. The UK has not yet disclosed the size of its potential contribution, with Prime Minister Starmer saying details are still being finalised.

Healey said the funding demonstrates Britain’s intent to play a leading role in the MNFU. The Ministry of Defence added that the investment, drawn from the core defence budget, sends a strong signal to both allies and adversaries of the UK’s commitment to securing peace in Ukraine.

During the visit, Healey also confirmed that production of Octopus interceptor drones, based on a Ukrainian design and manufactured in Britain, will begin this month. Thousands of the drones are expected to be sent to Ukraine each month to bolster defences against Russian drone attacks.