In a significant show of solidarity, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine by unveiling a £2.5 billion military aid package for the upcoming year.

The announcement was made during Prime Minister Boris Johnson's inaugural visit of the year to Kyiv, where he pledged to sustain Britain's backing for Ukraine and allocate additional funds for countering Russian aggression.

This move follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's appeals to Western allies for increased support in the face of ongoing tensions with Vladimir Putin's forces as concerns have arisen about waning interest among allies as the conflict persists.

During the one-day visit, the Prime Minister and President Zelensky are set to formalise the commitment by signing a new UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation. This agreement aligns with last year's NATO summit resolution, wherein G7 countries pledged to sign bilateral security assurances with Ukraine.

The £2.5 billion military aid package is earmarked for crucial areas such as long-range missiles, air defence systems, artillery ammunition, and maritime security. Notably, this funding represents a £200 million increase from the allocations of the past two years, signalling the UK's heightened commitment to supporting Ukraine in its time of need.

Chancellor Sunak, speaking from Kyiv, emphasised the UK's pivotal role as one of Ukraine's significant supporters, especially in terms of military aid. "I'm pleased to be here today to announce an increase in the aid that we're providing," Sunak stated. "This new commitment of two and a half billion pounds underscores the gravity of the situation here and our determination to stand with Ukraine."

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Sunak expressed his desire to send a robust signal of support to the Ukrainian people and convey to Vladimir Putin that the international community remains resolute in its stance. "We're not going anywhere," Sunak asserted, emphasising the steadfast determination to address the geopolitical challenges at hand.

The Chancellor's visit to Kyiv marks the first foreign visit of the year and positions the UK as a leader in reinforcing support for Ukraine amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.