In a move signalling deeper European defence cooperation, Britain is set to enter talks to join the European Union’s 78 billion pound ($106 billion) loan package for Ukraine.
The UK government said on Sunday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the intention at a summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday. The forum was created after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to strengthen coordination among European states.
Starmer is expected to tell leaders that Britain wants to work closely with the EU to support Ukraine in securing critical military equipment as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing war, now in its fourth year.
According to the EU, the loan package is designed to cover about two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs over the next two years, with a significant portion allocated to defence spending.
The UK government said participation in the scheme could also open opportunities for British defence companies to contribute to Ukraine’s urgent military requirements, strengthening industrial cooperation across Europe.
The announcement comes as Western allies continue to recalibrate their security strategies, with increasing emphasis on European-led defence coordination.
Britain also confirmed plans to introduce a new round of sanctions targeting Russian companies linked to military supply chains, aimed at further restricting Moscow’s war capabilities.
Starmer’s visit to Armenia marks the first by a British prime minister since 1990 and comes at a time of heightened diplomatic activity within Europe over the future of collective defence.
The move also reflects broader calls from Washington for European allies to take greater responsibility for regional security, particularly as global tensions expand beyond the Ukraine conflict.
European leaders, including those from Germany, France and the UK, have recently faced additional pressure following disagreements with the United States over broader geopolitical issues.
Starmer said cooperation between Britain and the EU delivers shared benefits, stressing the need to accelerate defence collaboration in response to growing global instability.
His government has previously signalled support for deeper defence integration in Europe, alongside efforts to strengthen ties with EU structures despite Brexit.
