Britain Sends $990 Million to Ukraine in Second War Loan Installment Amid Growing Security Tensions

Britain has released the second part of a major war loan to Ukraine, sending £752 million (about $990 million) to help Kyiv strengthen its air defences and artillery systems. This move is part of a larger international support package worth $50 billion, underpinned by profits generated from frozen Russian assets held in Western countries.

The announcement came just a day after Russia launched a deadly missile attack on the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing 34 people and injuring 117 others. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strike, calling it “appalling” and reaffirming Britain’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russian aggression.

The £752 million disbursed on Monday is the second of three installments in a total loan of £2.26 billion from the UK to Ukraine. The first payment was made on March 6, and the third is expected to follow in 2026. The loan agreement was finalised in March by Britain’s Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, as part of a coordinated effort led by the Group of Seven (G7) nations. The G7 had initially agreed on the broader lending framework in October 2024.

According to Reeves, the global security landscape is rapidly changing, and Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine is one of the major drivers of instability. She emphasized the need for democracies to act together in the face of growing threats.

As the United States appears to be reevaluating its role in European security following the election of Donald Trump, the UK has stepped up its own defence commitments. In February, Britain pledged to increase defence spending from the current 2.3% of national income to 2.5% by 2027, with a goal of reaching 3% sometime after 2029.

British Defence Minister John Healey confirmed that the UK will provide £4.5 billion in total support to Ukraine this year. The funding will be used not only for air defences and artillery but also for vehicle spare parts and various battlefield equipment. Additionally, the British Ministry of Defence is helping Ukraine procure radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones, further strengthening Ukraine’s capabilities on the frontlines.

Despite the ongoing war and the evolving political situation, public support in the UK for aiding Ukraine remains strong. Most major political parties back continued military and financial assistance, highlighting the broad consensus in Britain that Russia’s aggression must be met with a unified response.

The fresh infusion of funds comes at a critical time for Ukraine as it continues to face regular missile and drone strikes from Russian forces, many of which target civilian areas. With rising tensions and the battlefield situation becoming more complex, Western support—including the kind provided by Britain—is seen as essential for Ukraine’s resilience and ability to defend its sovereignty.