The Government has announced more than £10 billion in additional economic and military support for Ukraine, including £500 million to strengthen the country’s air defences ahead of winter. The package was confirmed alongside the Budget on 28 October 2026, following a call between Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Chancellor John Healey and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The headline total includes loan guarantees and export-finance capacity, rather than representing £10 billion in cash paid directly to Ukraine.
£500 million for air defences
The Treasury says the additional £500 million will address urgent gaps in Ukrainian air defences this winter as Russia continues attacking critical infrastructure. Together with £750 million already committed through the UK’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan contribution, the Government says UK military support provided to Ukraine this year totals £4.3 billion. This is alongside the existing commitment to provide £3 billion annually in military assistance until at least 2030–31, or for as long as needed. A detailed list of equipment to be purchased with the additional funding has not been published.
£7 billion of economic support over three years
The package makes £7 billion of economic support available over three years. It includes up to £5.5 billion in World Bank loan guarantees and a £500 million grant contribution to the World Bank International Development Association crisis facility, intended to mobilise £1.5 billion for Ukraine. Guarantees are financial commitments that may create liabilities, but they are not equivalent to the same amount of immediate government expenditure.
£3 billion increase in export-finance capacity
UK Export Finance will receive an additional £3 billion in capacity for Ukraine, prioritised for military support. That raises the total cover limit to £6.5 billion for eligible defence and reconstruction transactions. This is capacity to support future transactions, not confirmation that £3 billion has already been spent or disbursed.
Total UK commitments rise to approximately £35 billion
The Treasury says total UK commitments to Ukraine now stand at approximately £35 billion, comprising £16 billion in military support, up to £12.6 billion in non-military support including guarantees, and £6.5 billion in export-finance cover. Because the categories contain different financial instruments, they should not be read as £35 billion of cash already transferred.
Government sets out its position
In a call with President Zelenskyy before the Budget, the Prime Minister and Chancellor said the new commitments were intended to help Ukraine defend itself and maintain essential services. The Government also reiterated its intention to maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and work with European partners on Ukraine’s security.
Separate commitments for Chornobyl and displaced children
The Budget also includes £17 million for repairs to the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl nuclear plant and a further £3 million in 2027–28 for efforts to trace, return and reintegrate Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia. These are separate, specifically identified measures in the wider Budget.
Delivery and taxpayer exposure
The financial effect of the announcement will depend on how grants are disbursed, which guarantees are called upon, and which export-finance transactions proceed. The Government has not published a complete project-by-project delivery timetable. The additional £500 million for winter air defences is a distinct military funding commitment; the wider headline package includes longer-term financial backing.