Britain Pledges Extra £10 Billion in Support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy Says

Britain has decided to provide Ukraine with an additional £10 billion (€11.9 billion) in financial assistance, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on 28 October. He made the announcement on X after a phone call with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as reported by European Pravda.

Zelenskyy thanked the United Kingdom for its continued backing of his country and for the new decision. According to him, the package is split into two parts: £7 billion in economic support over the next three years, and a further £3 billion in British export support.

The export support is intended primarily for the supply of much-needed weapons. Zelenskyy said these would strengthen Ukraine's ability to protect lives. He added that the new funds come on top of the annual support that Britain already gives Ukraine.

"Today, Britain made a strong decision to provide an additional £10 billion in financial support," Zelenskyy wrote. He described the move as "a very timely step" that should show Russia that Ukraine will not be left alone.

"Every step to strengthen Ukraine brings Russia closer to realising that it must end this war of its own making," he noted.

Sanctions were also on the agenda during the conversation with Burnham. Zelenskyy stressed that the United Kingdom remains firm in its sanctions policy toward Moscow.

The announcement comes as Ukraine's partners weigh how to fund the country's budget needs. The European Union recently appealed to international partners, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Norway, to step up their efforts and provide additional funding for Ukraine.

The European Commission has acknowledged that Ukraine's budget will face a shortfall of €70 billion in 2027, which must be covered by international partners. At their summit on 15 and 16 October, European Council leaders instructed the Commission to prepare proposals to cover that gap.