UK Foreign Secretary to announce new Ukraine aid package during visit to Kyiv

The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning. He is expected to announce a new aid package for Ukraine as the country’s invasion by Russia nears its third anniversary. The financial package is aimed at supporting the war-torn country’s energy sector, grain exports and contribute to its economic growth.

During his visit, Lammy is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Lammy’s trip comes two weeks after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement between the two countries. The deal is part of a broader European effort to demonstrate support for Ukraine and reinforce a commitment to helping the country endure the conflict.

Starmer described the landmark agreement as a pledge to deepen cooperation on defence, particularly maritime security in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, as well as in technology-related projects such as drones, which have become crucial weapons for both sides.

The treaty also establishes a system to track Ukrainian grain that Russia has exported from occupied territories.

Since the war began, the UK has committed €15.4 billion in military and civilian aid.

As the war grinds on toward its third year, both Ukraine and Russia are seeking battlefield gains ahead of potential peace negotiations.

Ukraine has launched a second offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, fighting to retain territory it seized last year while increasing drone and missile strikes on Russian weapons facilities and fuel depots.

Meanwhile, Moscow is gradually advancing along the 1,000-kilometre front line in eastern Ukraine, suffering heavy casualties in the process. At the same time, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to cut off heat and electricity during the harsh winter months.