In a period of global uncertainty, the enduring backing of Ukraine by the UK remains unwavering.
Recently, Russia executed a significant drone assault on Ukraine over a 24-hour span, deploying close to 1,000 drones across various regions. Following this event, I traveled to Ukraine to reassert the UK’s strong dedication and ensure that the crisis in the Middle East does not divert attention from the necessity of keeping up the pressure on Russia to cease its unlawful and brutal war against Ukraine and its populace.
At the core of every conflict lie innocent lives, with children bearing the brunt of the suffering imposed by war. During my trip, I encountered young individuals who exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of Russia’s unjustified aggression. These children have directly benefited from UK aid and embody the future that Ukraine is striving to safeguard.
Our two nations share numerous connections. Notably, the city of my upbringing in South Wales was twinned with Luhansk. Thus, it held deep significance for me to visit Lyceum 290 in Kyiv, a part of the UK-Ukraine Schools Twinning Programme established in April 2025 and expanded earlier this year. Interacting with Ukrainian children, I witnessed how this initiative links them with students in the UK, fostering cultural bonds and equipping the next generation with essential skills for the future – curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.
To date, more than 23,400 children from both countries have participated, with an additional 300 schools set to join in the next three years.
Nevertheless, the harsh reality persists that numerous Ukrainian children are still being uprooted from their homes in regions temporarily held by Russia. Instances have been documented of children being forcibly taken from orphanages and relocated to Russian facilities or foster homes, where they are granted Russian citizenship in an effort to indoctrinate them and erase their Ukrainian identity.
The UK has already contributed £2.8 million to aid in the repatriation and reintegration of children unlawfully deported by Russia.
Since June 2025, the UK-supported Ukrainian verification center has gathered evidence indicating that over 20,000 children have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred by Russian authorities. This figure is anticipated to rise as investigators uncover more proof of this systematic violation of human rights. This deplorable practice must cease immediately.
In recent days, I met with investigative teams diligently working to confirm the identities of missing children, track their whereabouts, and compile evidence to hold the perpetrators accountable. Their efforts represent the crucial initial phase in reuniting Ukraine’s children with their families, offering hope and ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes face justice.
Moreover, our financial aid to Ukraine remains firm. The UK recently announced the safeguarding of its development funding to Ukraine with £240 million annually to support humanitarian, energy, and reconstruction initiatives. This vital investment is bolstering Ukraine’s economy while addressing the country’s significant humanitarian needs, exacerbated by harsh winter attacks on its energy infrastructure.
This support is not only beneficial to Ukraine but also enhances European security and contributes to the UK’s own safety and economic stability. It aids in fortifying domestic supply chains, fostering regional economies, and reinforcing high-value sectors such as defense in the UK.
While we stand in solidarity with Ukraine, we are committed to cutting off Russia’s revenue streams to prevent Putin from benefiting from conflicts in the Gulf. This includes permitting UK forces to intercept shadow fleet vessels passing through our waters. Russia must cease its illegal warfare. Until it does, the UK will steadfastly support Ukraine in securing a fair and enduring peace, where every Ukrainian citizen, young and old alike, can live free from Russian aggression.