Angus Robertson has welcomed a new agreement which will strengthen business links between Scotland and Ukraine and support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine commits the two governments to strengthening trade and investment links through information exchange and practical support for businesses working in both countries.
Total trade in goods between Scotland and Ukraine was worth £38.4 million in 2024. A number of Scottish companies are supporting Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild, including Coatbridge-based Cairnhill Structures Ltd which has supplied fabricated steel to rebuild two bridges in Kyiv destroyed during the Russian invasion.
The signing took place during a visit to Scotland by a delegation of more than 60 Ukrainian mayors and business representatives.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland is deeply committed to supporting Ukraine, whose men, women and children are putting their lives, their freedom and their prosperity on the line to defend their country – and all of our democracies.
“The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed today will strengthen the trade and investment relationship between Scotland and Ukraine, helping businesses in both countries to grow through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and practical support for businesses working in-country.
“We want to learn from each other to make the most of our combined strengths, from e-commerce, to green energy technologies and innovation in agrifood. Scotland stands ready to support Ukraine to recover and rebuild from the damage caused by Russia’s barbaric aggression.
“We will work with the UK Government and our international partners in support of Ukraine’s long-term future, her sovereignty and social and economic prosperity.”
The Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh Andrii Madzianovskyi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Ukrainian Government, said: “For Ukraine, this partnership opens new avenues for investment, technology exchange, and access to high-value markets.
“For Scotland, it provides opportunities to expand its business presence in Eastern Europe, diversify partnerships, and support Ukraine’s recovery and growth.
“We wish to see increased bilateral trade and joint business projects as well as stronger business networks and institutional ties. There will be promotion of innovation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship and enhanced mutual trust and international cooperation.
“This agreement signals a commitment to long-term collaboration and mutual prosperity.”
PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER’s WORDS AT KYIV PRESS CONFERENCE
Volodymyr, friends, it is a real pleasure to be here in Kyiv with you all. With Emmanuel, with Friedrich, and with Donald.
This is Europe, stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine, and also showing during this week when we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day that we understand the lessons of history.
The lesson that any veteran of Normandy, of North Africa or any other campaign will tell you but that Putin has not yet grasped:
There is no glory in aggression and conquest – glory comes from fighting for your country, defending your people, and winning the peace.
And that is the message of this moment.
Volodymyr, we stand with you to secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves.
It’s almost two months now since you agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In that time Russia has launched some of the most deadly attacks on civilians of the entire war. Including here in Kyiv.
Normal lives, homes, families destroyed.
This is what Russia offers in place of peace along with delays and smokescreens – like the current 72 hour ceasefire.
And so all of us here – together with the US – are calling Putin out.
If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now – by extending the VE Day pause into a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with negotiations to follow immediately, once a ceasefire is agreed.
No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now.
Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused.
So we are clear – all five leaders here, all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the Coalition of the Willing – an unconditional ceasefire rejecting Putin’s conditions. And clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond.
Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table.
And that’s what we have been discussing today – as well as securing Ukraine’s future for the longer term.
Convening the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with partners joining virtually from around Europe and across the world – lining up to support Ukraine’s future strength and security, discussing operational plans and making concrete commitments of support across land, air and sea.
We want to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence – so we’re working to boost Ukraine’s economy.
And as a vital step, I’m pleased that UK experts have been on the ground leading work to support the resumption of flights into Ukraine, once a ceasefire is achieved.
It will take time – but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war.
Ukraine secure and thriving – that is what we all want to see.
With our 100-year partnership, the Critical Minerals deal with the US, and our Coalition of the Willing, we are building the framework for peace in Ukraine to support a better future for the Ukrainian people.
And to pledge once again, in our all interests, and on this anniversary, that aggression will never prevail on our continent.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, unity, and hope as we raise vital funds for communities affected by conflict.
16 May 2025, 7:30pm
Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3NP
Suggested Donations: £15 (at the door)
Featuring breathtaking performances from Songbirds, Lothian Gaelic Choir, The Newhaven Community Choir, and The Ukrainian Choir, this event—organized by the Rotary Club of Leith—is a call for peace through the power of song.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Share, invite, and stand in solidarity through music!
Package will support UK jobs and growth, with equipment and repair contracts connecting UK companies with Ukrainian industry
The UK is ‘surging’ rapid military support to Ukraine to put them in the strongest position to secure a lasting peace as partners meet in Brussels for the 27th Ukraine Defence Contact Group, chaired by the UK and Germany.
The security of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine, and a major new military support package will be delivered by British and Ukrainian suppliers to help boost Ukraine’s Armed Forces as they continue to defend against Russian attack. As chair of the meeting, the UK has secured ambitious pledges for Ukraine from donor countries.
Today’s package, worth £450 million, includes £350 million from the UK from this year’s record £4.5 billion military support funding for Ukraine. Further funding is being provided by Norway, via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine.
The support package will be announced by Defence Secretary John Healey when he chairs the contact group alongside German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius later today, where 50 nations will come together to coordinate urgent military support for Ukraine.
It will include £160 million of UK funding to provide repairs and maintenance to vehicles and equipment the UK has already provided to Ukraine – partnering UK companies with Ukrainian industry, supporting the UK economy and skilled jobs.
Today’s support also includes a new ‘close fight’ military aid package – with funding for radar systems, anti-tank mines and hundreds of thousands of drones – worth more than £250 million, using funding from the UK and Norway. The package builds on the work of the drone capability coalition, led by the UK and Latvia.
This will include high manoeuvrable first-person view (FPV) drones to attack targets, and drones which can drop explosives on Russian positions. These two types of drones are reported to be responsible for 60-70% of damage currently caused to Russian equipment.
The new kit will be procured from a mixture of UK and Ukrainian suppliers, demonstrating how investment into Ukraine’s defence supports jobs and the economies of both the UK and Ukraine.
The £160 million package for equipment repairs and maintenance will ensure vital armoured vehicles and other equipment can get back to the battlefield as quickly as possible. It will be implemented through the UK’s Taskforce HIRST, linking UK and Ukrainian companies to ensure repairs can be conducted in country to ensure that vital equipment is returned to the frontline as quickly as possible.
The support provides opportunities for British companies to learn lessons from the battlefield and support the UK’s own industrial capabilities, an example of the UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership announced by the Prime Minister in action.
Addressing the contact group, Defence Secretary John Healey MP will say: “The work of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group is vital to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position and pile pressure on Putin to help force him to end this terrible war.
We cannot jeopardise peace by forgetting the war, which is why today’s major package will surge support to Ukraine’s frontline fight.
“2025 is the critical year for Ukraine. Our job as defence ministers is to put into the hands of the Ukrainian war fighters what they need. We must step up to deter Russian aggression by continuing to bolster Ukraine’s defences.”
The meeting followed a series of high-level meetings of leaders and defence chiefs in the last month to move forward with operational planning.
This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin.
The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.
As well as demonstrating leadership through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Coalition of the Willing, the UK is also contributing heavily to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) Command, which is coordinating further support for Ukraine in the form of training and providing more capabilities. Through the International Fund for Ukraine, the UK will manage the NSATU Trust Fund for rapid procurement – which Canada, Denmark and Iceland have already pledged funding towards, to meet Ukraine’s urgent equipment support and logistical needs.
PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT FOLLOWING LEADERS’ MEETING
This morning I convened the largest, strongest group of countries yet behind a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Now a huge amount has happened since I brought leaders together at Lancaster House here in London, just two weeks ago.
President Zelenskyy has shown once again, and beyond any doubt, that Ukraine is the party of peace. Volodymyr has committed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
But Putin is trying to delay – saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place.
Well, the world needs action. Not a study, not empty words and conditions.So my message is very clear. Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table.
So, this is the moment, let the guns fall silent, let the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, stop and agree to a ceasefire now.
And let’s be clear why this is so important – Russia’s appetite for conflict and chaos undermines our security back here at home.
It drives up the cost of living. It drives up energy costs.
So this matters deeply to the United Kingdom.
That is why now is the time to engage in discussions on a mechanism to manage and monitor a full ceasefire and agree to serious negotiations towards not just a pause but a lasting peace, backed by strong security arrangements through our Coalition of the Willing.
And we won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act.
Instead we will keep pushing forward.
So the group I convened today is more important than ever.
It brings together partners from across Europe as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with backing from others too – including Japan.
We agreed we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine and keep tightening the restrictions on Russia’s economy to weaken Putin’s war machine and bring him to the table.
And we agreed to accelerate our practical work to support a potential deal.
So we will now move into an operational phase.
Our militaries will meet on Thursday this week here in the UK to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security.
President Trump has offered Putin the way forward to a lasting peace. Now we must make this a reality.
So this is the moment to keep driving towards the outcome we want to see, to end the killing. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine and lasting security for all of us.
The ‘Coalition of the Willing’ will meet today as world leaders drive forward action to support a just and enduring peace for Ukraine
Prime Minister Keir Starmer to host around 25 leaders for virtual call in further push for peace
Comes as President Putin tries to play games with President Trump’s peace plan
Keir Starmer will say countries need to strain every sinew to further ramp up economic pressure on Russia and force Putin into negotiations
The ‘Coalition of the Willing’ will meet today as world leaders drive forward action to support a just and enduring peace for Ukraine.
Around 25 countries, including European partners, the EU Commission, NATO, Canada, Ukraine, Australia and New Zealand are expected to join the virtual meeting tomorrow morning.
The Prime Minister will tell leaders that now is the time for concrete commitments as President Putin tries to play pointless games with President Trump’s peace plan.
He will say that countries need to ratchet up economic pressure on Russia, to force Putin into negotiations, in the short term and be prepared to support a just and enduring peace in Ukraine over the long term and continue to ramp up our military support to Ukraine to defend themselves against increasing Russian attacks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal. The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace.
“If Russia finally comes to the table, then we must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious, and enduring peace, if they don’t, then we need to strain every sinew to ramp up economic pressure on Russia to secure an end to this war.
“Putin is trying to delay, saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place, but the world needs to see action, not a study or empty words and pointless conditions.
“My message to the Kremlin could not be clearer: stop the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, and agree to a ceasefire now.
“Until then we will keep working around the clock to deliver peace.”
The call is expected to delve further into how countries plan to contribute to the Coalition of the Willing, ahead of a military planning session being held next week.
During the session tomorrow morning, leaders are expected to receive an update on progress made at a Chiefs of Defence meeting held in Paris on Tuesday, and updates from countries on efforts to unlock further military aid for Ukraine. The Prime Minister will also pay tribute to the collective European efforts to step up.
The call follows a week of intensive diplomacy by UK ministers after the Defence Secretary travelled to Paris to meet counterparts from Germany, France, Poland and Italy, and the Foreign Secretary travelled to Canada for G7 Foreign Ministers.
It also follows the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House Summit held a fortnight ago, where he again made clear that we must protect our country in a dangerous new era, and deliver on the foundation of security in the government’s Plan for Change.
The government has already accelerated that work, announcing an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
First Minister commits to international solidarity
First Minister John Swinney has pledged the support of the Scottish Government to “securing international solidarity” for the long-term future of an independent Ukraine.
Addressing the Scottish Parliament, he condemned Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion and the subsequent three years of “barbaric” aggression that have followed, while commending Ukraine’s people for their fight to defend the independence, territorial integrity and security of their country.
Mr Swinney said that providing support and sanctuary for displaced Ukrainians continues to be a priority for the Scottish Government.
The First Minister warned that pausing military aid “can only run the risk of emboldening Russia”, stressing the United States must remain “steadfast” in its support for Ukraine alongside the United Kingdom Government, European allies and partners across the wider western world. He also accepted the case for peacekeeping forces to avert further conflict, subject to proper democratic scrutiny.
“Here in Scotland, we will, forever, stand with Ukraine.”
First Minister @JohnSwinney has reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and security.
The First Minister said: “Right now, today, as we stand here, men, women and children in Ukraine are putting their lives and their freedom on the line to defend their country and all of our democracies.
“My hope is that US and European leaders can once again find a way to speak with one voice on the matter of this conflict. There are no grey areas when one country chooses to send troops and tanks into the peaceful territory of another.
“My Government supports the approach of the United Kingdom Government, in committing to secure international solidarity in support of Ukraine’s long-term future. My Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine, until a just peace is secured – not a peace at any cost, which strips Ukraine of her sovereignty in wartime.
“Scotland’s approach, internationally, will continue to be led and guided by our compassion for Ukraine. Now, 25 years into the life of this modern Parliament, Scotland chooses to stand for democracy, for human rights and the rule of law, at home and among our courageous allies like Ukraine.
“These are the underpinnings of democracy, of prosperity, and of every freedom democracy provides. This is the solidarity among allies that will deliver Ukraine from Russia’s barbaric aggression, while protecting her heritage, her culture, and her social and economic future.
“Ukraine’s future, and her fate, is our future and our fate.”
Prime Minister Starmer’s statement to the House of Commons: 3 March 2025
Mr. Speaker
Less than a week since I called on this House to show the courage of our predecessors we see clearly before us – the test of our times. A crossroads in our history.
So with permission I will update the House on my efforts to secure a strong, just and lasting peace following Russia’s vile invasion of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker – it begins in this House where on Tuesday, I announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
A recognition of the fact that once again, we live in an era where peace in Europe depends upon strength and deterrence.
But also – a rediscovery of the old post-war argument long-held on these benches that economic security is national security.
Because Mr. Speaker, the demands we now have to make of Britain must come alongside a new foundation of security for working people.
The tough choices we made last week, they are not done. We must use the process of getting to 3% of our national income spent on defence to fundamentally rebuild British industry.
Use our investment in military spending to create new jobs and apprenticeships in every part of our country.
And that’s why, last night, I announced a deal that perfectly symbolises this new era.
A partnership with Ukraine that allows them to use £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance to buy 5,000 air defence missiles, manufactured in Belfast. That means UK jobs, UK skills, UK finance , pulling together for our national interest.
Putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for peace and protecting innocent civilians from the terror of Russian drones.
Mr. Speaker, my efforts continued on Thursday when I met President Trump in the White House to strengthen our relationship with America.
Now, what happened in his subsequent meeting with President Zelenskyy is something nobody in this House wants to see.
But I do want to be crystal clear: we must strengthen our relationship with America for our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment. They are and always will be – indispensable.
And we will never choose between either side of the Atlantic. In fact, Mr. Speaker, if anything, the past week has shown that that idea to be totally unserious. Because while some people may enjoy the simplicity of taking a side, this week has shown with total clarity that the US is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine.
So I welcome the opportunity for a new economic deal with the US, confirmed by the President last week, because it is an opportunity I am determined to pursue.
I welcome the positive discussions we had on European security, including his clear support for Article 5 of NATO. I welcome the understanding, from our dialogue that our two nations will work together on security arrangements for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
And I also welcome the President’s continued commitment to that peace which nobody in this House should doubt for a second – is sincere.
Mr. Speaker, I now turn to events this weekend and the moving scenes that greeted President Zelenskyy as he arrived in London on Saturday.
Mr. Speaker I saw for myself that he was taken aback when the crowd in Whitehall cheered at the top of their voices, and they were speaking for the whole of our country.
A reminder – that this Government, this House and this nation stand in unwavering support behind him and the people of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, we resolved together to move forward the strong cause of just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
And then on Sunday I hosted European leaders from across our continent, equally committed to this cause including President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, the leaders of NATO, the European Commission and Council and the Prime Minister of Canada, a vital ally of this country, the Commonwealth and Ukraine responsible for training over 40,000 Ukrainian troops.
I also had the privilege beforehand of speaking online to the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – each of whom, as close as they are to the frontline with Russia, stressed the urgency of the moment.
And Mr. Speaker, it was a productive summit. Together, we agreed a clear strategy. That the United Kingdom, France and our allies will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, which we will then discuss directly with the United States.
It is a plan that has four clear principles, which I will now share in full with the House:
First, that we must keep the military aid to Ukraine flowing, keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. And to that end, alongside our partnership on air defence we are doubling-down on military aid.
Already this year we have taken our support to record levels but on Saturday we also agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine backed, not by the British taxpayer but by the profits from frozen Russian assets.
Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee the sovereignty and security of Ukraine. And that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future. That is absolutely vital.
Third, we agreed that in the event of a peace deal we will continue to boost Ukraine’s defences and Ukraine’s deterrence.
And finally, fourth.we agreed to develop a “coalition of the willing” ready to defend a deal in Ukraine and guarantee the peace.
After all, the Ukrainian position is completely understandable. For them, the war did not begin three years ago. That was merely the latest and most brutal escalation.
They have signed agreements with Putin, before. They have experienced the nature of his diplomacy and the calibre of his word.
We can’t accept a weak deal like Minsk again, No, we must proceed with strength and that does now require – urgently – a coalition of the willing.
Mr. Speaker – we agreed on Sunday that those willing to play a role in this will intensify planning now. And as this House would expect Britain will play a leading role. With, if necessary and together with others, boots on the ground and planes in the air.
Mr. Speaker, it is right that Europe do the heavy lifting to support peace on our continent. But to succeed, this effort must also have strong US backing.
I want to assure the House I take none of this lightly. I visited British troops in Estonia and no aspect of my role weighs more heavily than the deployment of British troops in the service of the defence and security in Europe.
And yet I do feel very strongly that the future of Ukraine is vital for our national security.
Russia is a menace in our waters and skies, They have launched cyber-attacks on our NHS, assassination attempts in our streets.
In this House, we stand by Ukraine because it is the right thing to do but we also stand by them because it is in our interest to do so. Because if we do not achieve a lasting peace then the instability and insecurity that has hit the living standards of working people in Britain that will only get worse.
And Putin’s appetite for conflict and chaos that will only grow.
So a strong peace, a just peace, a lasting peace, that has now to be our goal.
It is vital, it is in our interest and its pursuit – Britain will lead from the front.
For the security of our continent, the security of our country and the security of the British people we must now win the peace.
And I commend this statement to the House.
UPDATE
Stakes have been raised since Starmer’s announcement to Westminster yesterday. A spokesman for the Trump government announced overnight that the USA is is to ‘pause’ military aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s USA is by far the biggest contributor to Ukraine’s military effort and this latest statement of American intent, if carried out, deals a grevious blow to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian invaders.
Europe’s ‘coalition of the willing’ may have to come up with a revised plan – and quickly.
The Prime Minister will intensify his efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in London today
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will intensify his efforts in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine by convening international leaders at a summit in London today.
The Prime Minister has this weekend reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine and is determined to find a way forward that brings an end to Russia’s illegal war and guarantees Ukraine a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security.
The summit rounds off a week of intense diplomacy for the Prime Minister, which has seen him raise UK defence spending and travel to Washington D.C. for productive talks with President Trump in support of UK and European security. The Prime Minister spoke again with both President Trump and President Zelenskyy on Friday evening following the events of yesterday at the Presidents’ meeting in Washington D.C.
The Prime Minister will welcome Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Downing Street this morning, before being joined at the summit in central London by the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania. The Turkish Foreign Minister, NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Council will also attend.
The Prime Minister has been clear that there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine, a determination he reiterated when he warmly welcomed President Zelenskyy to Downing Street on Saturday evening ahead of the summit.
Discussions at the summit will focus on:
Strengthening Ukraine’s position now – including ongoing military support and increased economic pressure on Russia.
The need for a strong lasting deal that delivers a permanent peace in Ukraine and ensures that Ukraine is able to deter and defend against future Russian attack.
Next steps on planning for strong security guarantees.
Following the announcement earlier this week that the UK will spend 2.5% of its GDP on defence by 2027, the Prime Minister will be clear on the need for Europe to play its part on defence and step up for the good of collective security.
The UK has already been clear it is willing to support Ukraine’s future security with troops on the ground.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Three years on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we are at a turning point.
“Today I will reaffirm my unwavering support for Ukraine and double down on my commitment to provide capacity, training and aid to Ukraine, putting it in the strongest possible position.
“In partnership with our allies, we must intensify our preparations for the European element of security guarantees, alongside continued discussions with the United States.
“We have an opportunity to come together to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that secures their sovereignty and security.
“Now is the time for us to unite in order to guarantee the best outcome for Ukraine, protect European security, and secure our collective future.”
UK reinforces support for Ukraine with £2.26 billion loan
The £2.26 billion loan will bolster Ukrainian military capability, and will be paid back using profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko signed the formal loan agreement yesterday (Saturday 1 March), with the first tranche of funding expected to reach Ukraine later next week.
The loan demonstrates the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence. A strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security – the first duty of any government and central to the Plan for Change.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko have signed the UK-Ukraine Bilateral agreement.
This agreement will deliver £2.26 billion in funding to Ukraine, which will be paid back using the extraordinary profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets held in the EU.
This is the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, through which G7 countries will collectively provide $50 billion to support Ukraine.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:“A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom. This funding will bolster Ukraine’s armed forces and will put Ukraine in the strongest possible position at a critical juncture in the war.
“It comes as we have increased our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, which will deliver the stability required to keep us safe and underpin economic growth.”
The loan will be fully earmarked for military procurement to bolster Ukraine’s defences, with the first tranche of funding expected to be disbursed to Ukraine next week.
Russia’s obligation under international law to pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine is clear and this G7 agreement, backed by the profits generated on sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, is an important step to ensuring this happens.
The funding will be delivered in three equal annual payments of £752m.
The announcement of the loan agreement is on top of the £3 billion a year commitment by the UK to provide military aid for Ukraine. The Prime Minister has been clear that a strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.
This loan follows the announcement by the Prime Minister committing the Government to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next parliament as economic and fiscal conditions allow.
This represents the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, safeguarding our collective security and funding the capabilities, technology and industrial capacity needed to keep the UK and our allies safe for generations to come.
As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government, and investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home while also creating a secure and stable environment for economic growth.
The Prime Minister will be focused on delivering prosperity and security for the British people, when he meets President Trump today in Washington D.C – but what Mr Trump will be focused on is anyone’s guess
Prosperity and security for working people focus of Prime Minister’s meeting with President Trump.
Special relationship between UK and US critical to deliver growth and security, with further collaboration on AI and tech.
Prime Minister to reiterate shared US-UK commitment to reaching a durable and lasting peace in Ukraine, and the need for Europe to step up to the challenge.
The Prime Minister will be focused on delivering prosperity and security for the British people, when he meets President Trump today (Thursday 27 February) in Washington D.C.
The UK and the US share a unique and historic relationship, based on shared values and a mutual commitment to economic and defence cooperation.
The UK and the US have one of the biggest trading relationships of any two countries in the world, worth around 400 billion dollars and supporting over 2.5 million jobs across both countries.
This visit comes just days after the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Prime Minister and President Trump share a commitment to delivering lasting peace in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister will reiterate the UK’s commitment to securing a just and enduring peace, bringing an end to Russia’s illegal war.
The Prime Minister will be clear that there can be no negotiations about Ukraine, without Ukraine and will recognise the need for Europe to play its part on global defence and step up for the good of collective European security.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament. This will drive economic growth and create jobs across the UK, while bolstering national security and protecting borders.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The world is becoming ever more dangerous, and it is more important than ever that we are united with our allies.
“A stable economy, secure borders and national security are the foundations of my Plan for Change, and the US-UK relationship is integral to delivering them. These principles will be at the heart of discussions with President Trump today.
“There are huge opportunities for us to deepen our special relationship, deliver growth and security, and improve the lives of working people in both our great nations.”
Both countries are world leaders in AI and advanced technologies, and the Prime Minister will be looking to build on these strong foundations to create jobs and economic growth.
The discussion will have a particular focus on the opportunities that further technology and AI partnerships could deliver. These include a proposal of high-ambition shared moonshot missions across top technologies including quantum and AI, and a deeper partnership on space.
The US and UK are the only two allied countries with trillion-dollar technology eco-systems, and the Prime Minister will make the case for further integration between the two countries’ tech sectors to make them the most efficient, ambitious technology sectors in the world.
In October, US tech firms announced a £6.3 billion package of investment to support UK data centres – a central pillar of the government’s plan to ramp up the country’s AI capacity. In January a further £12 billion investment from Vantage Data Centers created over 11,500 jobs as the government published its AI Opportunities Action Plan.
These investments represent just one facet of the deepening science, innovation, and technology collaboration between both countries. In AI, researchers from both sides of the Atlantic have dedicated research exchange programmes to share knowledge and expertise in delivering the next wave of cutting-edge innovations that improve people’s lives in areas such as personalised care, autonomous surgeries, and cancer diagnosis – on top of a broader AI partnership which has also been signed by the AI Institutes of both countries.
On a visit to the West Coast at the end of last year Technology Secretary Peter Kyle met a range of companies to bang the drum for further investment in the UK’s technology sector. Just two weeks ago, he also put pen to paper on a new partnership with leading AI firm Anthropic which will explore how the technology can be put to work to transform the public services that UK citizens rely on, and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.
The Prime Minister will join President Trump at the White House today, where he will be greeted by the President before signing the White House Guest Book and a tete a tete at the Oval Office. This will be followed by a bilateral lunch, and a joint press conference. He will also carry out a defence-focused visit.
On arrival on Wednesday night, he met a select group of CEOs from large US businesses to discuss their existing and growing presence in the UK, and the importance of UK-US trade and investment (above).
He will outline the strength of the UK offer to investors: policy stability; an active partnership with government; an open, trading economy; and a reform agenda focused on making it easier to do business.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by the Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who will join the Prime Minister’s programme at the White House (pictured above with ‘Lord’ Peter Mandelson, who welcomed the UK delegation to Washington).
16 May 2025, 7:30pm
Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3NP
Suggested Donations: £15 (at the door)
