Britain will provide extra weapons to Ukraine and speed up efforts to deliver military support, John Healey pledged on his first trip to the war zone as Defence Secretary.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed Mr Healey has directed officials to ensure a package of support pledged in April under the previous government should be delivered in full within the next 100 days.

On a visit to the port city of Odesa, in Ukraine, Mr Healey also promised that more artillery and 90 Brimstone missiles would be included in a new package of support.

During his visit, Mr Healey also held talks with president Volodymyr Zelensky, who posted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, which showed Mr Healey taking part in a remembrance service on the country’s annual navy day.

The announcements came after David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said UK military, economic, political and diplomatic support for Ukraine will “remain iron clad” under the Labour Government.

The UK has provided more than £7.6 billion of military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Mr Healey said: “As the new Defence Secretary, I will ensure that we reinvigorate Britain’s support by stepping up supplies of vital military aid.

“Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.

“This Government is steadfast in our commitment to continue supplying military assistance and will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends for as long as it takes.”

The MoD said the new package of support includes ammunition, 90 Brimstone missiles, 50 small military boats to support river and coastal operations, 40 demining vehicles, 10 AS-90 artillery guns and support for previously gifted ones, and 61 bulldozers to help build defensive positions.

The department said the UK’s commitment in April included 400 vehicles, 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, 4 million rounds of ammunition and 60 boats, including offshore raiding craft.

Raising defence spending

In an interview with The Sun, Mr Healey insisted the Government was committed to raising the UK’s defence spend to 2.5 per cent of GDP, as he said the “defence of Britain starts in Ukraine”.

He added: “Putin is looking for Western nations to lose patience, to lose resolve, he must know that Britain under Labour will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win.

“We will confront Russian aggression and we will pursue him for his war crimes.”

Adm Sir Tony Radakin, chief of the defence staff, added: “The recent milestone of 500,000 Russians killed or wounded is a reminder of how badly this war has gone for Russia.

“Over the past year, with British help, Ukraine has driven the Russian fleet from Crimea and reopened the Black Sea for exports.

“The battle on land is much tougher but Ukraine’s future as a sovereign nation is not in doubt.”

He added: “By continuing to support Ukraine, and by helping to ensure Russia loses, Britain and Europe will be stronger and safer over the long term.”

Mr Healey’s visit to Ukraine within 48 hours of taking on the role is likely to be viewed as a signal from the Government about its commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Conservative Party leader, had claimed during the general election campaign that multi-year support to Ukraine would be put at risk under Labour.