Kathmandu, March 3: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) aid package for Ukraine, allowing the country to purchase 5,000 air defense missiles. The missiles will be manufactured in Belfast, UK, contributing to job growth in the UK defense sector.

Starmer’s announcement follows a European defense summit where leaders of 15 countries, NATO Secretary-General, the European Commission President, and EU Council members discussed ongoing military and economic support for Ukraine. He emphasized that Britain’s top priority is national security and maintaining Ukraine’s defensive strength.

In addition to the aid, the UK has also agreed to lend Ukraine £2.2 billion under the G7’s Extra-Ordinary Revenue Acceleration Initiative, aimed at procuring necessary weaponry. The loan agreement was signed between Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for increased defense investment, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Routledge stressed the need for preparedness in security cooperation. European leaders have agreed to continue economic pressure on Russia and ensure Ukraine’s inclusion in any peace talks.

However, not all EU countries are aligned in their support for Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has refused to provide military or financial aid, arguing that military action will not bring Russia to the negotiating table. Similarly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for former US President Donald Trump over Zelensky, further complicating Europe’s united stance on the war.

Despite these divisions, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment, stating that maintaining Ukraine’s strength is essential for European security.