UK Funds 350 Air Defense Missiles for Ukraine Using Frozen Russian Assets

The United Kingdom has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine consisting of 350 modern ASRAAM air defense missiles, funded by £70 million in interest earned from frozen Russian assets. This marks the first time the UK has directly financed weapons for Kyiv using Russia-related funds, with the missiles adapted for ground launch and deployed via British Raven air defense systems. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Russia should bear the cost of Putin's illegal war and called for peace talks, while Defense Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of this aid amid continued Russian missile attacks. The aid package is part of the UK’s largest annual commitment to Ukraine, totaling £4.5 billion in military support, which also includes investments in drones and additional air defense missiles. These developments come as NATO and allies, including the EU and G7, explore further measures to confiscate Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The UK is simultaneously enhancing its own defense capabilities by joining NATO’s nuclear mission with advanced fighter jets.