London (Parliament Politic Magazine) – UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledges GBP 12 billion aid to Ukraine, reaffirms support against Russian invasion on conflict anniversary.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak observed the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Saturday with a promise to renew the UK’s decision to support the Ukrainians and declared the free world united in its reaction to President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The British Indian leader glanced upon his recent visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv when he announced a significant package of defense aid to Ukraine, taking the UK’s total support to GBP 12 billion.
It arrives as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) committed GBP 8.5 million in humanitarian funding to the Red Cross Movement and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
“When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response. We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination,” expressed Sunak in a statement from 10 Downing Street.
“I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago, and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering. It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty, and the rule of law, on which we all depend,” he stated.
He added: “The UK is going further in our support. Last month, I announced the most significant single package of defense aid to Ukraine, taking our total support to GBP 12 billion, and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation – the first of its kind.
“This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.” According to the FCDO, over 14.6 million people – about 40 percent of the Ukrainian population – require humanitarian assistance. Millions have been left homeless, struggle without adequate access to water, food, and electricity, and desperately need health, protection, and other essential services and supplies in “territories under Russian occupation.”
“Ukrainians are bravely defending their land against Russia’s brutal invasion, but the past two years of war have had a tragic impact on millions of people across Ukraine. Families have been separated, towns and villages decimated, and vital civilian infrastructure destroyed. The UK stands with Ukraine and is committed to supporting the most vulnerable Ukrainians living through the horrors of this war,” stated UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
The statement follows Cameron’s visit to the United Nations on Friday, where he discoursed the United Nations Security Council and United Nations General Assembly and supported the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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Over GBP 6 million of the UK budget will support the Red Cross Movement’s neutral and impartial work, reinforcing their current emergency response projects and their support to the most vulnerable in Ukraine. Meanwhile, GBP 2.5 million will fund the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, part of the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.