The UK has committed £200 million (about $270 million) to prepare forces and equipment for a possible deployment to Ukraine as part of a proposed Multinational Force for Ukraine. Leaders including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a declaration of intent for how a future multinational deployment might proceed. The funds will upgrade vehicles, communications and counter-drone systems, and UK-made Octopus interceptor drone production will begin in January with thousands due to be shipped monthly.
UK Commits £200M, Begins Octopus Drone Production as It Readies Forces for Possible Ukraine Deployment
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meets with British Defence Secretary John Healey, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026 Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS
The United Kingdom has allocated £200 million (about $270 million) to prepare British forces for a potential deployment to Ukraine, the government said. The funding will support equipment upgrades, counter-drone measures and rapid-deployment readiness as part of plans for a Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNFU) that could be deployed if a ceasefire is reached.
Key Details of the Plan
At a summit of Ukraine's partners, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a declaration of intent outlining how a future multinational deployment might proceed. France has indicated it could contribute thousands of troops to the MNFU; the UK has not disclosed numbers, saying plans are still being finalised.
British Defence Secretary John Healey, speaking in Kyiv, said the £200 million will be used to upgrade vehicles and communications systems, add counter-drone protections and ensure troops are trained and ready to move quickly. A Ministry of Defence statement said the capital spending comes from the core defence budget and signals the UK’s intent to lead the MNFU and help secure a post-conflict peace in Ukraine.
“This capital spending is being funded from the core defence budget and sends a clear signal to allies and adversaries of the UK’s intent to lead the MNFU,” the Ministry of Defence said.
Octopus Interceptor Drones
Healey also told President Zelenskiy that production of the Octopus interceptor drones — based on a Ukrainian design but manufactured in Britain — will begin in January. The UK plans to send thousands of these interceptor drones to Ukraine each month to help defend against Russian drone attacks.
The announcement was made hours after Russia launched a powerful hypersonic missile, an action Kyiv’s European backers described as an attempt to deter further Western support for Ukraine.
Conversion: £200 million ≈ $270 million (rate cited: $1 = 0.7447 pounds).
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