The United Kingdom has launched a ’50-day drive’ to bolster Ukraine’s defenses in direct response to President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a virtual meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized the need for rapid arms transfers, including Patriot missiles, to strengthen Kyiv’s position in the ongoing conflict.
Healey urged nations to utilize the U.S.-NATO sales agreement, which was announced by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, to more efficiently arm Ukraine. The initiative marks a turning point in the U.S.’s continued support for Ukraine, as it signals increased European commitment to providing military aid. Additionally, the U.K. has pledged near $54 million in defensive equipment, with discussions focusing on the quick transfer of Patriot Battery Missiles, following Germany’s confirmation of shipments.
While the U.S.-NATO sales agreement is not an unusual deal as Washington, D.C., for decades has sold its arms to NATO allies, the announcement was significant because it signaled a turning point in the U.S.’s continued support for Ukraine, which has remained a question since Trump was re-elected in November. Mike Ryan, who formally served as deputy assistant secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, explained that the significance lies in the increased European support for Ukraine, the benefit to American taxpayers, the positive impact on the trade deficit, and the crucial support to Ukraine.
The Monday meeting will be the fourth time Healey has chaired the defensive group in support of Kyiv, and the third such event that he has done so alongside German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. A major point of discussion is expected to be the quick transfer of Patriot Battery Missiles for Ukraine – five of which Berlin is set to confirm shipment of on Monday following his meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week. ‘Boris and I have agreed to partner in providing critical air defense missiles to Ukraine,’ Healey said before announcing a near $54 million defensive pledge to Ukraine, and by extension, Europe’s security.
The announcement is on top of the more than $6 billion in military aid the U.K. has sent Ukraine this year alone. ‘This is a critical moment we meet at a critical time, a time for all allies and partners to share the burden, to support Ukraine, both in the fight now and to secure the peace future,’ Healey added.