Ukraine is working with the United Kingdom to finance its defense using frozen Russian assets. The key priorities are air defense, long-range munitions and Ukrainian-made drones.
Defense Minister Ivan Fedorov reported this after a meeting with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.
According to Fedorov, he asked the British side to unlock funding under the ERA program as soon as possible and direct proceeds from frozen Russian assets to the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
“We have three unchanged priorities: air defense, long-range munitions and Ukrainian drones. These are the areas that should receive priority funding from partners today,” the minister said.
During the meeting, Fedorov also presented Ukraine’s AIR–LAND–ECONOMY strategy and the reform of defense procurement. According to him, Ukraine is moving toward open competitive procedures in order to use budget funds more efficiently and direct more financing to the needs of the Defense Forces.
The sides paid special attention to support for Ukraine’s air defense. Fedorov noted that ballistic missiles and guided aerial bombs remain among the biggest challenges for Ukraine.
In this context, he stressed the importance of continuing missile supplies under the PURL initiative.
The meeting also focused on strengthening sanctions against Russia. One of the key areas is countering Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which helps Moscow evade sanctions and finance its war against Ukraine.
Fedorov thanked the United Kingdom for its consistent support for Ukraine, its leadership and its readiness to help in key areas of Ukrainian defense.
