UK announces multi-million pound boost in Ukraine aid on 1000th day anniversary

The Defence Secretary has announced a major new package of military aid for Ukraine to coincide with the 1000th day of war with Russia.

John Healey has said Britain will provide President Zelenskyy with a further £7.5 million-worth of lethal equipment, to ensure that Vladimir Putin "does not succeed".

The bulk of the extra funding will go on attack and surveillance drones, with other western allies topping up the donation by a further £16 million.

The German president, who sparked anger when holding a phone call with Putin last week, will provide £10 million-worth of drones.

Meanwhile Canada will supply £3 million, as will Luxembourg.

Figures from the Ministry of Defence reveal that the additional funding brings the world total up to £67 million, with £15 million from Britain.

Announcing the new vital supplies, Defence Secretary John Healey said: "The UK has stood side by side with our Ukrainian allies since day one of Putin's illegal, full-scale invasion - leading international support, training 50,000 recruits and supplying weapons, drones and other crucial military kit."

"1,000 days after Putin initiated his full-scale invasion, our commitment to Ukraine remains ironclad.

"President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people will have our fullest support for as long as it takes.

"As we look towards a winter of continued Russian attacks on military and civilian targets, it is critical that international partners and allies come together to back Ukraine and ensure that Putin does not succeed."

The announcement comes as it was reported yesterday that President Joe Biden is still blocking British efforts to allow President Zelenskyy to use UK-made Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia.

While the White House has given the go-ahead for the use of the own ATACMS rockets to be used in limited strikes in Russia territory, Sir Keir is yet to get permission for Britain's own missiles.

While they are made in Britain, the Storm Shadows require US software.

It also comes ahead of a major debate in Parliament on Wednesday to debate the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, which will confirm a £2.26 billion loan to Kyiv for further equipment.

The Conservatives are demanding the UK does give Ukraine the right to strike inside Russia, with shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge saying he welcomes America's decision.

He added: "It must now surely lead to Starmer giving Ukraine full autonomy on use of UK Storm Shadow missiles - particularly in light of North Korean support to Russia and continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure."

Pressure is ramping up as it appears Russia is preparing for a major assault on Ukraine, in an attempt to win back all the territory Kyiv seized in its surprise counter-offensive in August.

Asked whether Britain will provide Storm Shadows to Ukraine yesterday, the Prime Minister said: "Obviously, I'm not going to get into operational details, because the only winner, if we were to do that, is Putin, and I'm not prepared to do that."

He added: "I've been really clear for a long time now we need to double down. We need to make sure Ukraine has what is necessary for as long as necessary, because we cannot allow Putin to win this war."