Russia to finance 350 British missiles for Ukraine's air defence
Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced on the official telegram channel of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine that Ukraine will receive 350 modern British-made missiles to strengthen its air defence. The delivery will be made with funds received under the ERA programme, which allows the use of proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
The missiles will be integrated into specially designed anti-aircraft missile systems, and five more such systems will be delivered to Ukraine in the near future.
This is the first practical example of weapons for Ukraine being financed directly from Russian assets. In total, the ERA programme has already raised more than £2 billion.
This is an important mechanism of justice - when the aggressor country pays for the consequences of its own war.
He thanked the UK government, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary John Healey and all partners who continue to strengthen Ukraine's air defence and help protect civilian lives.
About the ERA programme
The ERA (Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration) programme is a joint initiative of the G7 countries to support Ukraine with the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. The UK is a key participant in this programme.
In March 2025, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed an agreement for £2.26 billion (about $3 billion) under the ERA programme. The funds are provided in the form of a loan to be repaid from the proceeds of frozen Russian sovereign assets. The financing is for 30 years.
In May 2025, a separate project agreement was signed between the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the Ministry of Strategic Industries and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom on the use of these funds. In 2025-2026, Ukraine will receive $3 billion to be used for
- purchase of foreign-made defence products,
- repair and maintenance of military equipment,
- joint projects of Ukrainian and international defence companies
- procurement of other critical materials, including those produced in Ukraine345.
Why it is important
The ERA is the first international mechanism that allows the use of excess profits from frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defence needs. The total amount of the programme for Ukraine is $50 billion, part of which is provided by the UK5. This decision is not only practical, but also fundamental: it demonstrates a response to aggression and support for Ukraine's right to defend itself.
Source: telegram channel of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine