Ukraine secures £2.26 billion UK loan for weapons production after failed Trump talks
Baku, March 2, AZERTAC
The United Kingdom has pledged a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan to Ukraine in a move designed to strengthen Kyiv's defence industry. Announced on Saturday, the agreement will be repaid using profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets, a decision Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "true justice. The one who started the war must be the one to pay," according to economic times.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey underscored the importance of these funds, stating that they would be crucial in ensuring Ukraine can "continue its frontline fight against Russian aggression."
During their meeting at Downing Street, Starmer assured Zelenskyy of Britain's unwavering support, saying, "We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take."
The agreement comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and the United States. Just days earlier, Zelenskyy had a heated exchange with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where Trump reportedly pressured Ukraine to negotiate peace with Russia. The meeting ended on a sour note, with Trump withholding a minerals trade agreement meant to strengthen economic and defence ties between Washington and Kyiv.
