In a turbulent global environment, the United Kingdom’s steadfast backing of Ukraine remains unwavering.
Recently, Russia carried out a significant drone assault on Ukraine, launching close to 1,000 drones over various regions within 24 hours. Following this event, I traveled to Ukraine to reassert the UK’s resolute dedication and ensure that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East does not divert attention from the imperative to maintain pressure on Russia to cease its unlawful and brutal conflict against Ukraine and its populace.
Amidst every conflict lie innocent lives, with children bearing the brunt of the suffering forced upon them by war. During my visit, I encountered young individuals who displayed remarkable strength in the face of Russia’s unjust aggression. These children have directly benefited from UK aid and symbolize the future that Ukraine is striving to safeguard.
The ties between our two nations are deep-rooted. The city of my upbringing in South Wales was twinned with Luhansk, making my visit to Lyceum 290 in Kyiv, a participant in the UK-Ukraine Schools Twinning Programme, particularly poignant. This initiative, which commenced in April 2025 and expanded recently, connects Ukrainian students with their counterparts in the UK, strengthening our cultural bonds and equipping the next generation with vital skills like curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.
To date, more than 23,400 children from both countries have engaged in the program, with an additional 300 schools set to join within the next three years.
However, the harsh reality remains that numerous Ukrainian children continue to be displaced from their homes in regions temporarily occupied by Russia. Instances have been reported where children are forcibly removed from orphanages and relocated to Russian institutions or foster homes, where they are granted Russian citizenship in an effort to erase their Ukrainian identity.
The UK has already allocated £2.8 million to assist in the repatriation and reintegration of children unlawfully deported by Russia.
Since June 2025, the UK-supported Ukrainian verification center has documented over 20,000 cases of children being unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russian authorities. This figure is anticipated to rise as investigators uncover further evidence of this systematic violation of human rights. This abominable practice must cease immediately.
This week, I met with investigative teams diligently working to verify the identities of missing children, locate their whereabouts, and gather evidence to hold the perpetrators accountable. Their efforts constitute the crucial first step in reuniting Ukrainian children with their families, offering hope and ensuring that these reprehensible crimes are met with justice.
Furthermore, the UK’s financial aid to Ukraine remains unwavering. Recently, it was announced that the UK will allocate £240 million annually for humanitarian, energy, and reconstruction projects, safeguarding its development funding for Ukraine. This essential investment is bolstering Ukraine’s economy while addressing the country’s pressing humanitarian requirements, exacerbated by harsh winter assaults on its energy infrastructure.
This support is not unidirectional. By aiding Ukraine, the UK is bolstering European security and contributing to its own safety and economic stability. This assistance includes fortifying domestic supply chains, fostering regional economies, and reinforcing high-value sectors like defense.
While we stand in solidarity with Ukraine, efforts will persist to cut off Russia’s revenue streams to prevent any enrichment for Putin from the Gulf conflict. This includes authorizing UK forces to intercept shadow fleet vessels passing through British waters. Until Russia terminates its unlawful war, the UK will firmly support Ukraine in securing a just and enduring peace, ensuring that every Ukrainian citizen, young and old, can live free from Russian aggression.