The United Kingdom is set to begin negotiations to participate in a £78 billion (€90 billion) European Union loan program designed to bolster Ukraine's defenses, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced Monday.
Speaking at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Armenia, Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities while also opening up opportunities for British businesses to secure contracts tied to the initiative.
The announcement marks another step in the UK's push for closer ties with the EU, though Starmer reiterated that this does not signal a reversal of Brexit.
Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Yerevan on Sunday, where Zelensky asked the prime minister to convey his "best regards and thanks" to King Charles III for his recent strong words of support during a state visit to the United States.
"We are ready to do the necessary work with allies to give Ukraine the support you need, the pressure you need to continue to put on Russia to ensure we get a just and lasting peace that is right for Ukraine," Starmer said.
Downing Street indicated that additional UK sanctions on Russian companies are expected this week, targeting military supply chains.
The EU loan scheme, approved last month after Hungary lifted its veto, will provide €90 billion over two years. Two-thirds of the funds are earmarked for defense needs, with the remainder for broader financial assistance. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka described the funding as "a matter of life and death."
Starmer also plans to discuss the Middle East situation with European partners at the summit, including contributions to security in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping in response to US and Israeli bombing campaigns.
The Conservatives and Reform UK have previously opposed the government's plan to adopt new EU laws without full parliamentary votes, but Starmer insists the loan scheme talks are focused on security and economic cooperation, not EU integration.