UK pays nearly $1 billion as second phase of war loan to Ukraine.

On Monday, April 14, the British government announced that it had provided Ukraine with £752 million (approximately $990 million) for the purchase of essential military equipment, including urgently needed air defense systems. This funding is part of a $500 billion international loan program supported by frozen Russian assets, as pledged by the G7.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, stated in a release, “The global situation is changing, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has intensified instability. A strong Ukraine is crucial for UK national security, and this second round of funding will help Ukraine be in the best position while promoting our collective security.”

With the strategic focus of the Trump administration gradually shifting towards the Indo-Pacific region and encouraging Europe to strengthen its military capabilities, the British government announced in February an increase in defense spending from about 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027, reaching 3% post-2029.

The military aid provided by the UK to Ukraine on Monday is the second installment out of a total £2.26 billion loan, with the first tranche paid on March 6 and the final installment to be disbursed next year.

British Defense Secretary, John Healey, emphasized that the UK will offer Ukraine a record-breaking £4.5 billion in support this year, allocated for the purchase of anti-aircraft systems, artillery, vehicle spare parts, and other equipment.

Healey stated, “2025 is crucial for Ukraine, and now is a critical moment. Our defense industry, military, and government are all ramping up efforts.”

During the G7 summit in June last year, world leaders reached a consensus on a $500 billion loan aimed at assisting Ukraine in its struggle for survival. This loan uses the interest earned on frozen Russian central bank assets as collateral.

According to several media reports, on Sunday, April 13, which was Palm Sunday, Russian forces launched two missile attacks on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, resulting in at least 34 deaths and over 100 injuries.

Leaders from the United States and European countries condemned the attacks as “heartbreaking atrocities.” British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, expressed being “shocked” by the assault.

On that day, US President Trump remarked, “I think this is terrible. I’ve been told they made a mistake, but I think it’s a terrible thing.”

The Trump administration has been pushing for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, but Russia has put forward several tough conditions during negotiations, leading to a lack of substantial progress in the ceasefire agreement between the US and Russia.