Ukraine's allies aim to make 2026 the year Russia's war against Kyiv ends, UK Defence Secretary John Healey declared after a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels. The international coalition pledged 35 billion US dollars (£25 billion) in military support as the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary at the end of February.
Britain will provide more than £500 million in new air defence systems and 1,000 lightweight multi-role missiles. Healey, who co-chairs the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, said allies are «more united and more determined than ever».
Germany committed to donate five of its 12 Pac-3 interceptor missiles for a "city dome project" to strengthen Ukrainian metropolitan air defence. The pledge is conditional on other nations contributing 30 additional missiles. New air defence systems are regarded as a priority by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Allied determination
Healey outlined the coalition's strategy at a press conference: «We will step up military assistance to Ukraine. We will step up pressure on Russia. And we want to make 2026 the year this war ends, the year we secure peace.»
The UDCG meeting followed a recent barrage of Russian ballistic missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities overnight. Ukraine accuses Russia of using the cold as a weapon by targeting civilian heat and power infrastructure during a bitterly cold winter.
Pistorius emphasized continuity of support: «In 12 days, it will be exactly four years since Russia's brutal war and unlawful attack on Ukraine began, and one thing is certain – Ukraine can continue to count on our support.»
International focus
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte urged allies to «step up their support» to Kyiv. He stressed that Ukraine «urgently needs more air defence».
The Munich Security Conference kicks off on Friday, where the conflict is expected to be a high-priority agenda item. Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to lead the UK delegation.
The US previously co-chaired the UDCG before Donald Trump's return to the White House last year. Russia has now been fighting in Ukraine for longer than the Soviet Union fought Germany during the Second World War.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
