In a time of global uncertainty, the UK’s enduring backing for Ukraine stands firm.
Recently, Russia carried out a significant drone assault on Ukraine, launching close to 1,000 drones over various regions within a day. Following this, I traveled to Ukraine to reconfirm the UK’s unwavering dedication and ensure that the crisis in the Middle East does not divert attention from the imperative to maintain pressure on Russia to halt its unlawful brutal conflict against Ukraine and its people.
The core of any conflict is the impact on innocent lives, particularly children who are exposed to the terrors of war. During my trip, I encountered resilient young individuals who have bravely faced Russia’s unjustified aggression, benefiting directly from UK support and embodying the future Ukraine strives to safeguard.
Our nations share strong connections, exemplified by the twinning of the city in South Wales where I grew up with Luhansk. My visit to Lyceum 290 in Kyiv, a part of the UK-Ukraine Schools Twinning Programme established in April 2025 and expanded recently, felt deeply personal. Interacting with Ukrainian children showcased how this initiative links them with UK students, nurturing cultural bonds and equipping the upcoming generation with essential skills like curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.
To date, more than 23,400 children from both countries have participated, with an additional 300 schools set to join over the next three years.
Nevertheless, the harsh reality persists that numerous Ukrainian children are forcibly displaced from their homes in areas temporarily under Russian control. Instances where children are taken from orphanages and relocated to Russian facilities or foster care, receiving Russian citizenship to erase their Ukrainian identity, are distressing.
The UK has already contributed £2.8 million to assist in repatriating and reintegrating children who were unlawfully deported by Russia.
Since June 2025, the UK-supported Ukrainian verification center has documented evidence of over 20,000 children being illegally deported or forcibly moved by Russian authorities. This figure is expected to rise as investigators uncover more proof of this systematic violation of human rights. This reprehensible practice must cease immediately.
This week, I engaged with the dedicated investigation teams diligently verifying the identities of missing children, locating them, and compiling evidence to hold the perpetrators accountable. Their efforts mark the crucial initial step in reuniting Ukraine’s children with their families, offering hope and ensuring justice for these abominable crimes.
On a broader scale, the UK’s financial aid to Ukraine remains resolute. Recently, the UK affirmed its commitment by allocating £240 million annually for humanitarian, energy, and reconstruction projects in Ukraine. This vital investment bolsters Ukraine’s economy while addressing the nation’s pressing humanitarian requirements, exacerbated by severe winter attacks on its energy infrastructure.
This assistance is mutually beneficial. Supporting Ukraine enhances European security and contributes to the UK’s safety and economic stability, fostering domestic supply chains, boosting regional economies, and fortifying high-value sectors like defense.
As we stand in solidarity with Ukraine, efforts continue to cut off Russia’s revenue streams to prevent any gains from the conflict in the Gulf, including authorizing UK forces to impound shadow fleet vessels passing through British waters. Russia must halt its illegal warfare. Until then, the UK will steadfastly support Ukraine in securing a fair and enduring peace, where every Ukrainian, young and old alike, can live free from Russian aggression.
