John Healey, who has been in office just a few days following the UK’s general election last week, made the announcement while meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa.
The aid comprises additional artillery guns, a quarter of a million rounds of ammunition, and 90 precision Brimstone missiles. During his visit, Healey also held discussions with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
“There may have been a change in government, but the U.K. is united for Ukraine," Healey said in remarks published on the U.K. government's website.
“As the new Defense Secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain’s support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid,” Healy said.
“Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes,” he added.
Healey’s visit coincided with Ukraine's Navy Day, for which he joined a delegation of foreign and Ukrainian officials accompanying President Zelenskyy in Odesa to commemorate sailors killed in the war.
Additionally, Healey instructed U.K. officials to expedite a previously announced defense package from April to ensure its delivery within the next 100 days.
The package, valued at £500 million (€592 million), represents the largest single military aid contribution ever made by the U.K.
The Labour Party secured a landslide victory in the general election on July 5, taking over government from the Conservative Party.
Given that leaders from both parties have consistently backed Ukraine, the election outcome was not anticipated to significantly alter the U.K.'s stance toward Ukraine.
