UK to boost Ukraine funding using £2bn from seized Russian assets

Healey said the money announced would allow Ukraine to purchase crucial military equipment, such as air defences and ammunition.

The £2.26bn is a one off payment. But it is an addition to £3bn already pledged by the government to fund Ukraine’s war effort.

So far, the UK has given more than £12bn in military aid and has promised to match that level of support in the future.

The chancellor and defence secretary briefed reporters on the announcement sitting side by side. Reeves said it showed the UK’s support for Ukraine was “unwavering and will remain for as long as it takes”.

Their appearance together might also signal a positive relationship ahead of next week’s Budget, when the government will outline its spending plans on public services such as health, schools and police.

Reeves was asked about defence spending and repeated that the government had committed to spending 2.5% of GDP – though without a timetable. The chancellor said she was not going to discuss details of the forthcoming budget.