U.K. Prime Minister visits Kyiv to announce more support for Ukraine in its war with Russia

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak travelled to Kyiv on January 13 to unveil a new support package for Ukraine, including an increase in military funding for its war with Russia that after 22 months shows no sign of ending.

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak travelled to Kyiv on January 13 to unveil a new support package for Ukraine, including an increase in military funding for its war with Russia that after 22 months shows no sign of ending.

“The 2.5 billion pounds ($3.2 billion) in military funding for Ukraine over the next financial year will cover long-range missiles, thousands of drones, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime security,” according to a statement from Mr. Sunak’s office.

Those are some of the items that Kyiv officials have been urging Ukraine’s Western allies to send more of, as the grinding war of attrition brings little change along the front line and both sides turn to long-range strikes.

Ukraine and Russia are seeking to replenish their arsenals this year, military analysts say, in anticipation of possible major ground offensives in 2025. “I am here today with one message: the U.K. will also not falter," Mr. Sunak said. “We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come.”

Mr. Sunak first visited Ukraine in November 2022, soon after he became Prime Minister. Britain has been one of Ukraine's most vocal backers.

Britain is the second-biggest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the U.S., giving a total of 4.6 billion pounds ($3.3 billion) in 2022 and 2023.

Mr. Sunak’s visit came hours after the British and U.S. militaries bombed Yemen, hitting more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis.