Chancellor Rachel Reeves has visited Kyiv to pledge “unwavering” support for Ukraine as the Britain’s Ministry of Defence invests in high-speed boats and drones for the UK’s elite commando force. In what may be one of Ms Reeves’ last official acts as Chancellor, she met families at a UK-supported centre for rehabilitation of children with disabilities, paid her respects to the fallen at the city’s memorial wall and inspected battlefield technology used to confront Russian forces.
The UK is providing Ukraine with £1.5billion in non-military support in 2026-27. This is alongside Britain’s £3billion a year military commitment to Ukraine.
Ms Reeves said: “The UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad.. Our partnership is not only helping Ukraine on the battlefield, but providing the financial firepower to build back stronger, help vulnerable people and protect critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security and we will continue to support the people of Ukraine.”
The Treasury says British support means more than 28,000 households and businesses can keep their lights and heating on over winter.
Meanwhile, more than £500million will be invested in the transformation of the UK Commando Force. According to the Ministry of Defence, new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis has shifted the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan towards “more immediate priorities”.
The new Future Commando Force will be focused on the “High North” and equipped with high-speed Commando Insertion Craft (CIC). These “could be used to seize further Russian shadow fleet tankers”.
Mr Jarvis said: “We’re investing in new lethal strike drones, high-speed boats and amphibious transport ships to give our Commandos the equipment they need to stay ahead of adversaries and defend us. The Defence Investment Plan will prioritise getting the latest kit into the hands of our frontline forces, so they can continue their vital work in an increasingly dangerous world.”
His predecessor, John Healey, quit in protest at the lack of funding for the investment plan. The agreed version is expected before next month’s NATO summit in Turkey.