UK slashes overseas aid for countering Russian aggression

Keir Starmer's raid on overseas aid has led to a 40% cut in funds for countering Russian aggression and misinformation in a region of Europe described by the prime minister as vital to the UK's national security.

- Daniel Boffey Chief reporter

British funding committed to bolstering the western Balkans, where Russia has been accused of sowing division and destabilisation, has been cut from £40m to £24m for 2025-26.

The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) is designed to tackle the highest priority threats to the UK's national security at home and overseas.

Starmer recently described the region, encompassing Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, as “Europe’s crucible - the place where the security of our continent is put to the test”.

Last year’s ISF funds were used in part to counter and respond to malicious cyber-attacks in the region and to bolster democratic institutions and independent media.

The cut in government funding appears to be a consequence of Starmer’s policy to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) for lowand middle-income countries.