The United Kingdom has pledged over £500 million in new defense missiles and systems to support Ukraine in countering Vladimir Putin’s aggressive attacks on energy facilities and civilians.

Defense Secretary John Healey announced a £150 million contribution to NATO’s Ukraine requirements list (Purl) for the first time, aiming to expedite the delivery of air defense missiles to Ukraine. Additionally, a £390 million deal will provide Ukraine with 1,000 lightweight multirole missiles produced in Belfast.

Healey emphasized the UK and its allies’ unwavering commitment to assisting Ukraine as they face Putin’s ongoing aggression. He highlighted the UK’s leadership role in providing a substantial air defense package to help Ukraine defend against relentless drone and missile assaults.

Describing the initiative as a demonstration of Britain’s positive influence on global security and a commitment to NATO, Healey expressed pride in the UK’s armed forces, leadership, and dedication to its allies, asserting full support and solidarity in confronting emerging threats.

The announcement coincides with Mr. Healey’s participation in meetings in Brussels alongside the 50-nation Ukraine Defence Contact Group and NATO defense ministers, focusing on strategies to counter the Russian invasion.

Healey, along with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, will lead the meeting attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The collaborative Purl scheme involves NATO countries jointly procuring defense equipment from the United States for Ukraine.

Following a visit to Kyiv, where he denounced Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians as “brutal” and “cynical,” Healey reiterated the urgency of supporting Ukraine in securing peace amid escalating hostilities.

Condemning the Russian President for targeting civilians and cities in Ukraine with drone and missile strikes, Healey stressed the critical need to assist Ukraine in achieving peace amid the ongoing conflict.