The message from Westminster is crystal clear: Britain isn’t just standing with Ukraine, it’s stepping up and speeding up. In a resolute commitment, Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged to maintain the UK’s £3 billion annual military aid to Ukraine through 2025 and beyond. And if the urgency in Parliament is anything to go by, that support can’t come soon enough.
Speaking in the House of Commons on 10 February 2025, Healey assured MPs that the UK’s military backing would remain steadfast for “as long as it takes.” But amid the promises, one thing was made abundantly clear: Ukraine needs more, and they need it now.
A War of Attrition and a Race Against Time
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, brought a sobering reality check to the debate. Having recently returned from Ukraine, where he visited areas close to the front lines, he painted a stark picture of the situation on the ground.
“They were desperately short of artillery pieces, 155 mm, and, most importantly, munitions, they could hardly respond to the Russians,” he revealed, his words carrying the weight of those he had spoken to on the battlefield.
Beyond heavy artillery, Duncan Smith emphasised the dire need for C-RAM defence systems, vital in shielding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian areas from relentless attacks. While multiple nations, including key European allies and the United States, have pledged these crucial defence systems, delivery delays mean Ukrainian forces remain dangerously exposed.
“Without that hardware, Ukraine runs the risk of losing this war,” Duncan Smith warned, urging the UK not only to honour its commitments but also to push its allies to do the same.
From Words to Action: Britain’s Next Move
In response, Healey reaffirmed that accelerating aid had been a top priority from the moment he took office.
“From my second day in this job, when I was in Odessa with President Zelensky, I made the commitment that the UK would step up and speed up support for Ukraine, which is exactly what we have done,” he stated.
His words signal a strong stance ahead of upcoming meetings with international defence partners, where the UK is expected to push for greater urgency in arms deliveries.
Support Beyond the Battlefield
While military aid remains at the forefront, domestic solidarity with Ukraine is equally crucial. Torcuil Crichton, MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, praised the long-term funding but also underscored the importance of supporting Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the UK.
With communities across the country stepping up, he highlighted a Valentine’s Day reception being held for Ukrainian refugees in his constituency, just one example of Britain’s unwavering support beyond the battlefield.
Healey echoed these sentiments, pointing to the UK’s united response since the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. “The UK has a proud unity in Ukraine, and it has given a proud welcome to Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine scheme,” he affirmed.
The Verdict: Words Must Become Weapons
The UK’s financial commitment is unwavering ,but funding alone doesn’t win wars. As the situation on the ground becomes increasingly critical, ensuring that pledged weapons and defence systems reach Ukrainian forces without delay is now the ultimate test of Britain’s resolve.Because in this war, time isn’t just money, it’s survival.
