British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a historic announcement during a surprise visit to Kyiv, pledging a multibillion-dollar aid package for Ukraine. The unprecedented 10-year security cooperation agreement also includes 2.5 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in new military aid earmarked for 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the aid as a watershed moment in European history, stating that today marks a turning point for Ukraine. The aid package includes a wide range of arms and ammunition that are in short supply in Ukraine, such as artillery shells and drones.

Sunak also urged other Western countries to double-down on their support for Ukraine, warning that a victory for Putin in Ukraine would embolden not just him, but also his allies in North Korea, Iran, and elsewhere. In addition to the military aid, the UK will also train thousands more Ukrainian servicemen and allocate 200 million euros to build thousands more drones. Sunak emphasized that the security package would form the core of London's alliance with Ukraine for 100 years or more.

He also expressed the UK's belief that Ukraine should be in NATO, a sentiment echoed by Zelenskyy who stated that if Ukraine had received security guarantees like the 10-year pledge of support, there would have been no Russian aggression at all. The British leader's visit came at a crucial time for Ukraine as it faces increased aerial attacks from Russia. Sunak met with emergency service workers in Kyiv responding to the aftermath of Russian air strikes and praised Ukrainian courage.

The aid package brings the UK's overall support for Ukraine's war efforts to nearly 12 billion euros. This commitment builds on existing support that has already included Storm Shadow cruise missiles and a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks. The UK's continued commitment to Ukraine and its efforts to bolster its defenses against Russian aggression are a strong signal of support for the Ukrainian people, with Sunak emphasizing that Putin needs to recognize the West is not going anywhere.