UK Sends Ukraine First Weapons Package Funded by Frozen Russian Assets
In a historic move, the United Kingdom will supply Ukraine with advanced air defence missiles financed using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, marking the first time Britain has used Russia-linked funds to directly support Ukraine’s military, The Gaze reports, citing The Guardian.
A total of £70 million — generated through the UK’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) scheme from interest on frozen Russian funds — will be used to finance the delivery of 350 state-of-the-art ASRAAM missiles. These British-built, air-to-air missiles have been adapted in record time to launch from ground-based Raven systems.
Five more Raven launchers are en route to Ukraine, bringing the total provided by the UK to 13. The rapid conversion of the missiles into surface-launched weapons took just three months, thanks to the efforts of RAF engineers and MBDA UK.
“Russia, not Ukraine, should pay the price for Putin’s barbaric and illegal war,” said Starmer. “It is only right we use seized Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences. The security of Ukraine is vital to our own.”
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the life-saving potential of the new missiles and praised the adaptability of the UK’s military industry.
“This package proves Britain’s defence sector can rapidly innovate to meet the realities of modern warfare,” he said, adding that Russia continues to wage indiscriminate missile strikes.
The weapons delivery is part of the UK’s largest-ever military commitment to Ukraine, totaling £4.5 billion in 2025. It follows a £1.6 billion agreement in March for over 5,000 air defence missiles, and an additional £350 million investment to significantly boost drone production for Kyiv.
As The Gaze previously reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a significant meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to London, focusing on intensifying defense cooperation, joint production of military equipment, and strengthening sanctions against Russia.