During her visit to Kyiv, Rachel Reeves has pledged to ramp up assistance for Ukraine’s recovery.
The Chancellor engaged with families at a facility in Kyiv that focuses on the rehabilitation of children with disabilities, and held discussions with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, in the company of British and Ukrainian defense firms.
During her time in the capital, Reeves paid her respects at a memorial wall at St Michael’s for those who lost their lives in Russia’s unlawful full-scale invasion. She also surveyed the destruction at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a sacred European site significantly damaged in a recent major Russian assault.
Expressing her commitment, Reeves stated, “The UK’s solidarity with Ukraine is unwavering. It is a source of pride to witness the positive outcomes of UK investments in Kyiv.
“Our collaboration is not only bolstering Ukraine militarily but also providing the financial muscle to facilitate a robust recovery, aid vulnerable populations, and safeguard critical infrastructure.
“Ukraine’s security is tantamount to Europe’s security, and we are steadfast in our support for the Ukrainian people.”
The Chancellor’s trip follows dialogues with counterparts at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, where the UK announced over £290 million in support for Ukraine’s resilience and energy security through bilateral aid and a UKEF-backed agreement, in addition to the latest $1 billion in UK fiscal aid.
In total, the UK has earmarked up to £25 billion for Ukraine, comprising £16 billion in military assistance, up to £5.6 billion in non-military aid, and £3.5 billion in UK export finance.
This funding is offering crucial backing to Ukraine and its populace as they endure severe Russian incursions.
UK support has enabled over 28,000 households and businesses to maintain essential services during winter and is fortifying 25% of Ukraine’s national energy infrastructure against further assaults.
Furthermore, the UK is persisting in pressuring the Kremlin, having imposed sanctions on more than 3,400 Russia-related entities, while championing Ukraine’s long-term prosperity.
Recent actions saw Ukraine intensify attacks on Russian positions in Crimea – a bold move to isolate it from mainland Russia.
Special forces from Kyiv collaborated with local resistance fighters in Crimea to dismantle a crucial logistics bridge and target more than 60 Russian military sites.
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