The UK will provide Ukraine with £1.6 billion for the purchase of missiles for its air defense systems.

The UK government will allow Ukraine to use £1.6 billion (approximately $2 billion) of UK export financing to acquire over 5,000 air defense missiles.

This was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a press conference following the summit in London, reports the BBC.

Starmer noted that the missiles will be manufactured in Belfast, creating jobs in the UK's defense sector.

He also added that the goal is to "put Ukraine in the strongest position so that it can negotiate with the aggressor from a position of strength."

According to the British leader, European leaders also agreed to increase economic pressure on Russia, and they will insist that Ukraine must be at the table for any peace negotiations.

At the same time, London intends to assemble a "coalition of the willing" that will ensure the implementation of any peace agreement. The UK aims to take a leading role in this coalition.

"We will develop a coalition of the willing to protect the agreement in Ukraine and guarantee peace. The United Kingdom is ready to support this with boots on the ground and planes in the air alongside others," he stated.

According to Starmer, "several countries" are ready to join the coalition of the willing, but they must announce this themselves.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to enhance Europe's defense capabilities.