UK Foreign Minister Visits Kyiv, Announces $190M Winter Aid for Ukraine

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper made her first overseas visit to Kyiv, where she met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian officials to reaffirm the UK's commitment to Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. During the visit, Cooper announced a £142 million ($193 million) aid package to support Ukraine through the winter, including £100 million for humanitarian assistance to frontline communities and £42 million for repairing and protecting critical energy infrastructure targeted by Russian strikes. Cooper emphasized that Ukraine's security is crucial to the UK's security and highlighted the UK's ongoing military support and leadership in the Coalition of the Willing. The aid aims to help with essential repairs to water, heating, electricity, and gas systems, strengthening Ukrainian resilience amid the conflict. The visit coincided with heightened tensions following Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace over Poland, prompting the UK to announce plans to mass-produce Ukrainian-designed interceptor drones as part of broader defense cooperation. This visit marks a significant step in the UK-Ukraine partnership amid Russia's ongoing illegal war against Ukraine.