In a significant development for international security, Sir Keir Starmer has announced a groundbreaking £1.6 billion missile deal aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. This announcement followed a high-stakes summit of European leaders held in London, where Prime Minister Starmer and other key allies, including France's President Emmanuel Macron, discussed critical support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
During the summit, a coalition known as the Coalition of the Willing was formed, with various nations prepared to commit troops to the Ukrainian frontline should a peace deal be established. This summit was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with 17 other European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Together, they addressed the next steps in securing lasting peace for Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized his unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, “My support for Ukraine is unwavering.” He expressed a personal commitment to ending Russia's illegal war and ensuring that Ukraine achieves a lasting peace grounded in sovereignty and security. He also highlighted the connection between national security and economic prosperity, stating, “I am also clear that national security is economic security.”
The missile deal aims not only to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities but also to stimulate the UK economy. By investing in Ukraine's defense, the UK government anticipates boosting jobs in Northern Ireland and beyond, thereby benefiting working people across the nation.
In the wake of the summit, Sir Keir plans to discuss a four-step plan with President Trump, which aims to persuade the US leader to provide a much-needed security guarantee for Ukraine. The Prime Minister reiterated the urgency of intensifying planning and emphasized the UK's readiness to support this initiative with “boots on the ground and planes in the air.” He called for Europe to take the lead in supporting peace efforts while ensuring strong backing from the United States.
The missile deal will enable Ukraine to access £1.6 billion in export finance, allowing for the procurement of over 5,000 air defense missiles manufactured in Belfast. Sir Keir noted that this investment is crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure in Ukraine now and will fortify the nation’s position when negotiating future peace agreements. He stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes, referencing the Minsk ceasefire deal, which was violated by Putin.
Starmer asserted that Ukraine must negotiate peace from a position of strength, and the advanced air defense missiles will empower them to do so. The deal is expected to create approximately 200 jobs in Northern Ireland and support an additional 700 jobs across the UK through the manufacturing of lightweight multi-role missiles (LMM), which will significantly increase production at the Thales factory in Belfast.
In conjunction with this missile deal, the UK government has announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with a further increase to 3% anticipated in the next parliamentary session, setting a rough deadline of 2034. This commitment to defense spending underscores the UK’s dedication to national security and its role in supporting allies like Ukraine in the face of aggression.
As the situation unfolds, the UK's strategic partnership with Ukraine and its commitment to peace and security in Europe remain at the forefront of international discussions.
