UK Plans 50-Day Military Support Surge for Ukraine

British Defence Secretary John Healey is set to lead a coordinated '50-day drive' at the upcoming Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting to significantly increase Western military support for Ukraine, aiming to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. Healey is endorsing President Trump's plan to impose severe tariffs on Russia if it rejects a ceasefire by early September, aligning with the U.S.-led 50-day deadline for peace or crippling sanctions. The UK has already committed substantial military aid, including £150 million in air defense missiles and artillery rounds over the past two months, delivery of 50,000 drones in six months, and a £700 million commitment this year to bolster Ukraine’s defense. Further commitments are expected from Germany and the UK, including a joint purchase of additional air defense missiles funded by €170 million from Berlin. The UDCG, originally led by the U.S., is seeing increased European leadership since Trump's return to the presidency and scaling back of direct U.S. military support. Healey will chair the meeting alongside German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, emphasizing the critical need for stepped-up arms deliveries to support Ukraine's immediate fight and press Russia toward peace negotiations.