The United Kingdom has announced a further £10 billion of economic and military support for Ukraine, describing it as the largest ever package of financial backing it has given the country.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the decision on the morning of Wednesday, October 28, ahead of the Budget announcement in Parliament. Healey told lawmakers the package was “based on loans, export finance guarantees and (£500 million) in urgent military funding for this winter”.
The package is in addition to the £3 billion a year the UK has already committed to Ukraine for as long as it takes, and follows Zelenskyy’s visit to Downing Street earlier in October.
What the package contains
According to the UK government, the £10 billion comprises £7 billion of economic support to be made available over three years, and a further £3 billion in UK Export Finance (UKEF) capacity for Ukraine, prioritised for military support. Alongside that, £500 million of additional military funding will plug what the government calls urgent gaps in Ukraine’s air defences this winter.
The economic support is intended to help Ukraine maintain economic stability and keep essential public services running through the winter. The government said the total package includes guarantees channelled through the World Bank and a grant contribution mobilising further assistance through the International Development Association’s crisis facility, and that the UKEF increase brings total cover limits to £6.5 billion.
The air-defence funding responds to Russia’s continuing attacks on Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure. With winter approaching, Ukrainian cities face the prospect of renewed missile and drone strikes on energy facilities, and the government said the money would help Ukraine defend itself through the coldest months.
Reaction
Burnham said: “When I said we would step up our support for Ukraine, I meant it. This is the largest ever package of funding for Ukraine from the UK and it should leave no one in any doubt of our unflinching backing for as long as it takes.”
Healey said the package would help Ukraine “defend their people and their nation as they fight with huge courage — civilians and military alike”, adding: “In this fifth year of Putin’s illegal war, my message to him is clear – our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defence remains unshakeable.”
Healey also told Parliament that Zelenskyy, on hearing the news, had told the two leaders: “You’ve made my day.”
Why it matters
The announcement comes as Ukraine heads into another winter of war, with its energy grid a repeated target and its public finances under severe strain. The UK government framed the package as vital for collective security, arguing that Ukraine’s defence is directly linked to European security.
The leaders also discussed the upcoming European Political Community meeting and agreed on the need to use it to drive further partner support for Ukraine, according to the government’s account of the call. The UK said it would also continue stepping up sanctions on Russia to push President Vladimir Putin towards negotiations.
What happens next
The test of the package will be delivery: how quickly the air-defence funding reaches Ukraine’s military, and how the economic support and export-finance capacity translate into equipment and budget support over the coming months. Further announcements from allies at the European Political Community meeting could show whether the UK’s move is matched elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the UK giving Ukraine?
A further £10 billion, described by the government as its largest ever package for Ukraine, on top of the existing £3 billion a year commitment.
What is the money for?
£7 billion in economic support over three years, £3 billion in export-finance capacity prioritised for military support, and £500 million in urgent military funding for air defences this winter.
When was it announced?
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in the Budget, after Burnham and Healey told President Zelenskyy that morning.
What did Zelenskyy say?
According to Healey, Zelenskyy told the two leaders: “You’ve made my day.”
Sources
- GOV.UK (primary): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-boosts-support-to-ukraine-with-10-billion-package
- GOV.UK, call readout (primary): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-and-chancellors-call-with-the-president-of-ukraine-28-october-2026
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-healey-says-britain-will-give-extra-10-billion-support-ukraine-2026-10-28/
- Kyiv Post: https://www.kyivpost.com/thread/88486
