The United Kingdom will supply Ukraine with an additional 150,000 drones to bolster its defenses, following a massive drone assault that caused chaos in Moscow. The £750 million package is financed through the UK's £2.26 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to Ukraine, which is backed by seized Russian assets.
New Defence Secretary Announces Package
The aid, unveiled by newly appointed Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, also includes over 350 air defense missiles and radar systems. These are intended to protect Ukraine from what Jarvis described as Vladimir Putin's 'barbaric attacks' and are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of the funding, stating: 'Our support for Ukraine is steadfast. I am proud that we are providing vital support, and we will continue to do all we can to keep pressure on Russia.'
Unprecedented Drone Attack on Moscow
Overnight, Ukraine launched its largest attack on the Russian capital to date, causing significant damage across Moscow as air defenses struggled to intercept the drones. Russian state media claimed that 992 drones, four long-range cruise missiles, and ten aerial bombs were shot down within 24 hours.
Despite these claims, the Moscow Oil Refinery was repeatedly hit, leading to reports of 'oil rain' falling on the city, damaging cars and creating apocalyptic scenes. Additionally, a massive fire erupted at the Sadovod Market following a drone strike, with large plumes of smoke visible above the buildings.
NATO Meeting Pledges Support
Jarvis, who welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a NATO meeting of defense ministers, reiterated the UK's unwavering commitment. 'This package of drones, air defence missiles and radars will help protect innocent Ukrainian people from Putin's barrage of drones and missiles,' he said.
The development comes amid heightened tensions, with Finland recently lifting its ban on nuclear weapons in response to the growing threat from Russia. The UK continues to stand with Ukraine as the conflict intensifies.
