Britain sends Ukraine second part of $3 billion war loan

Britain sent Ukraine 752 million pounds ($990 million) to buy air defenses and artillery on Monday, part of a broader $50 billion international loan program backed by frozen Russian assets, Britain's government said, Report informs via Reuters.

"The world is changing before our eyes, reshaped by global instability, including Russian aggression in Ukraine," finance minister Rachel Reeves said.

The Group of Seven advanced economies agreed an outline lending package in October 2024 - before the election of Donald Trump as president changed the United States' approach to the conflict - and Reeves and her Ukrainian counterpart Serhiy Marchenko finalized details of Britain's contribution in March.

Pressured by the United States' increased reluctance to provide security in Europe, Britain's government announced in February that it would raise defense spending from about 2.3% of national income to 2.5% by 2027 and 3% some time after 2029.

Monday's payment to Ukraine is the second of three installments totaling 2.26 billion pounds (approximately $3 billion). The first was on March 6, and the final part will be paid next year.

Defense Minister John Healey said Britain would give Ukraine 4.5 billion pounds ($5.93 billion) of support this year and that the funds would be used to purchase air defenses, artillery and spare parts for vehicles and other equipment.